Tongan Kava Gatherings: Harassment Concerns Spark Debate Over Tou'a Role and Tradition

Concerns have emerged within Tongan communities regarding harassment and abuse experienced by female kava servers, known as tou'a, at informal kava gatherings. Ainakea Kaafi shared personal accounts of navigating these events, describing instances of unwanted physical contact and explicit comments. She noted the longevity of such experiences, expressing pride in her survival.

"Ainakea Kaafi shared personal accounts of navigating these events, describing instances of unwanted physical contact and explicit comments. She noted the longevity of such experiences, expressing pride in her survival."

Podcaster Akanesi Kaufusi has established a platform for women to anonymously share their stories of harassment and assault in kava settings. These experiences include unwanted touching, explicit sexual comments, and pressure for sexual acts.

Official Response and Cultural Context

'Anamalia 'Aho of Tonga Police's Domestic Victims Unit reported no formal complaints or reports from female tou'a. This suggests women may feel unable to report incidents.

Women's rights activist 'Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki indicated a decline in traditional social controls within contemporary diaspora kava sessions. She attributes this to the absence of elders, unclear leadership, and a weakened sense of faka'apa'apa (respect). This erosion of respect is seen as a contributing factor to the issues.

The tou'a role is central to Tongan kava traditions, where a woman often serves kava in a circle of men. Women undertake this role for various reasons, including language improvement, financial gain, or community assistance. Ms. Kaafi emphasized the symbolic importance of the tou'a, representing respect for tradition and protocol.

Calls for Action and Differing Views

Ms. Kaufusi has initiated a campaign advocating for a ban on female tou'a in general kava sessions, citing the risks faced by women in these informal environments. This strong call for action highlights the perceived dangers for women in such settings.

Conversely, Pahulu, a matapule (talking Chief) from Kolovai, where the tou'a role originated, argued against altering the role. He stated that the position is deeply rooted in royal and cultural protocol, originating from the monarch's tradition, and that a female tou'a can elevate an occasion. Formal ceremonies have strict protocols and select tou'a specifically from Kolovai.

Edmond Fehoko, a researcher on kava groups in New Zealand, highlighted the community benefits of these gatherings. He noted that these groups provide a space for young people to avoid alcohol and drugs, and to discuss mental health issues.

Lawyer Teimumu Tapueluelu commented on the difficulty of regulating kava groups due to varying national laws. She emphasized that conflating cultural practices with criminal misconduct is legally incorrect. Harassment, she states, constitutes the crime, not the kava ceremony or the tou'a role itself.

Advocating for Higher Standards

Ms. Kaafi advocates for higher standards for kava groups and a call for action to protect the community and educate children about tradition. She also recounted a positive experience where a male kava group member intervened to de-escalate bullying and sexual comments. This highlights the potential for positive actions and intervention from within these gatherings.