Tonga's cabinet has granted a licence for a new radio station to benefit rural women.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Information and Communications says an application was made to the government last year and yesterday's granting of the licence coincided with International Women's Day.
Feleti Tuihalamaka says women will work voluntarily as radio producers and broadcasters at 98 FM.
He says the project is being paid for by international donors and it aims to strengthen links between women and civil society organisations.
"Initially in Tongatapu with a daily non profit community radio platform for discussing issues of local and national interest, as well as contributing to building and promoting a culture of peace by demonstating non violent communication and practise in and through the media."
Feleti Tuihalamaka says the radio broadcast has been trialled and will be officallly launched on Monday.
