Thirty women who are potential candidates for Tonga's November election have met in Nuku'alofa for a one-week training workshop on campaigning and leadership.
The coordinator for the United Nations Development Programme's Tonga Governance Strengthening programme, Mark Burton, says the workshop is aimed at equipping participants with the skills to run for parliament.
He says they will be trained in how to be effective leaders, communicate well and organise campaigns.
Mr Burton says five women in the workshop have already decided to run in the general election, signalling the start of a serious political career for some.
"We're looking at some pretty serious contenders, and some very strong candidates. But there's no doubt that this workshop and some of the activities leading up to it are generating a great deal of discussion, thinking, debate about the role that women can play effectively in the political processes of Tonga."
The UNDP's Mark Burton.
There is currently just one woman MP in the Tongan parliament.
