The role of Tongan women is to be the guardian of Tongan culture and tradition, said Her Royal Highness Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita, princess of Tonga.
Tuita discussed Tongan culture and women's roles as a guest speaker at an international forum at Brigham Young University Thursday."To understand Tongan people, you must understand the basis of Tongan culture. We have the most elaborate hierarchical society in Polynesia," Tuita said.
"In Tonga there is a social order in every aspect of life. All well-brought-up children learn who is superior to them and who they are superior to," she said.
Although women are subordinate, they are also considered the anchor of the culture.
"Even marriages are bound in duty, responsibility and obligation. Tongans are raised with that in mind. Women are important guardians of that culture and tradition," she said.
Tuita said the Tongan culture has changed in the past 50 years, and in some cases, change is welcome.
"But the basic beliefs - respect for elders, respect for head of family and brother-sister respect - are still intact," she said. "We realize that change has to come, but we need to hold on to the good things of our culture and let go of the weak things."
Tuita is in Utah at the official invitation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has been in Los Angeles and San Francisco doing business for her country.