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National Women MPs

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Women have never comprised more than 30% of the membership of national parliaments in the Pacific Islands Countries since Independence (not counting Australia, New Zealand, and the territories of United States of America and French respectively in the region), and the percentage of women in Pacific parliaments currently hovers at 8.4% (as at February 2021).

Regional Trends:

Pacific Women MPs 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019  2020 2023
 24
Numbers 26 32 30 35 40 44 47 49 55
 54
% 4.7 5.7 5.4 6.3 6.6 7.2 7.7 8.1 8.9
 8.8
 
Representation at sub-national decision-making is at similarly low levels. In comparison, the Inter-Parliamentary Union reports that the world average of all elected members (as of March 2022) is 26% women and 74% men.

In Pacific Islands Forum countries, not including Australia and New Zealand, as of March 2024 there are only 54 women MPs out of 614 MPs altogether who are currently sitting in their national legislatures.

Countries Number of MPs Number of Women % of Women
Cook Islands 24 6 25
Niue 20 5 25
Tokelau 20 4 20
Federated States of Micronesia 14 2 14.3
Fiji 51 6 11.8
Tonga 26* 3 11.5
PNG – Autonomous Region of Bougainville
44 5 11.4
Samoa 53 6** 11.3
Nauru 19 2 10.5
Kiribati 46 4 8.6
Solomon Islands 50 4 8.0
Palau 29*** 2 (plus female Vice President) 6.9
Marshall Islands 33 2 6.1
Papua New Guinea
 118 3 2.5
Vanuatu 52 1 1.9
Tuvalu 15 0 0.0
* This includes the elected representatives of the Nobles (9 members) and the people (17 members).

**This includes the 4 elected women representatives together with the next highest polling woman included as part of Samoa’s ‘special measure’ for a minimum of 10% of women’s representation in Parliament.

*** This number refers to both Houses of Congress in Palau – the House of Delegates with 16 members, and the House of Senate with 13 members.

Cook Islands - Past National Women MPs

Hon. Selina Napa

Party: Democratic Party

Term: N/A

Electorate: Titikaveka

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of Parliament

Hon. Tetangi Matapo

Party: Democratic Party

Term: N/A

Electorate: Tamarua Constituency

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of Parliament

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Hon. Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown

Party: Cook Islands Party

Term: N/A

Electorate: Teenui-Mapumai Constituency

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Health, and holds the portfolio for Justice, and Agriculture

Ms. Cassey Tereapii Eggleton

Party: Democratic Party

Term: N/A

Electorate: Matavera Constituency

Province: N/A

Political Status: Candidate for July 2014 National elections

Ms. Fanaura Kingstone

Party: Cook Islands Party

Term: N/A

Electorate: N/A

Province: N/A

Political Status: N/A

Ms. Maria Tapuanoa Heather

Party: Democratic Party

Term: N/A

Electorate: Ruaau

Province: N/A

Political Status: Leader of the House; Under Secretary for Internal Affairs, Works and Physical Planning

Ms. Ngai Ngatara Tupa

Party: Democratic Party

Term: N/A

Electorate: Takuvaine-Tutakimoa

Province: N/A

Political Status: N/A

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Ms. Vaine Iriano Wichman

Party: Cook Ialands Party

Term: N/A

Electorate: Ruaau

Province: N/A

Political Status: N/A

Fiji - Past National Women MPs

Adi Sivia Qoro

Party: People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

Term: N/A

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Nominated Candidate

Hon. Adi Litia Qionibaravi

Party: SODELPA

Term: 2018 - 2022

Electorate: N/A

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of Parliament (Opposition)

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Hon. Dr. Mere Tuisalalo Samisoni

Party: Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA)

Term: 2018

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: N/A

Hon. Lorna Eden

Party: FijiFirst

Term: N/A

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment

Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa

Party: FijiFirst

Term: 2014-2018; 2018-2021

Electorate: N/A

Province: N/A

Political Status: Former Minister for Lands; Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation

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Hon. Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa

Party: Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA)

Term: 2001-06; 2006; 2014-18; 2018-22

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of Parliament (Opposition)

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Hon. Salote Vuibureta Radrodro

Party: Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA)

Term: 2014-18; 2018-2022

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of the Opposition

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Hon. Selai Adimaitoga

Party: FijiFirst

Term: 2018-2022

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs

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Hon. Tanya Waqanika

Party: SODELPA

Term: 2020-2022

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of the Opposition

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Hon. Veena Kumar Bhatnagar

Party: FijiFirst

Term: 2014-2018; 2018-2022

Electorate: N/A

Province: N/A

Political Status: Former Asst. Min for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation

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Jilila Nalibu Kumar

Party: FijiFirst

Term: N/A

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Government Backbencher

Lavinia Kau Padarath

Party: Fiji Labor Party

Term: N/A

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Nominated Candidate

Losena Moce Salabula

Party: Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA)

Term: N/A

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Nominated Candidate

Monica Nalini Raghwan

Party: Fiji Labor Party

Term: N/A

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Nominated Candidate

Nanise Vunisere Kasami Nagusuca

Party: Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA)

Term: N/A

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Nominated Candidate

Roko Tupou Takeiwai Senirewa Draunidalo

Party: Humanity Opportunity Prosperity Equality (HOPE)

Term: N/A

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: President of HOPE party

FSM - Past National Women MPs

No Women MPs

Kiribati - Past National Women MPs

Hon Rereao Tetaake Eria

Party: Boutokan Te Koaua (Government)

Term: N/A

Electorate: Teraina

Province: Line Islands

Political Status: Member, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association - Kiribati Branch

Hon Tangariki Reete

Party: Pillars of Truth

Term: 2008-12; 2016-2020

Electorate: Betio

Province: South Tarawa

Political Status: N/A

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Hon. Maere Tekanene

Party: Boutokan Te Koaua (Government)

Term: N/A

Electorate: Tarawa

Province: South Tarawa

Political Status: Minister for Education

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Marshall Islands - Past National Women MPs

Hon Abacca Anjain-Maddison

Party: None

Term: N/A

Electorate: Rongelap Atoll

Province: N/A

Political Status: N/A

Hon Amenta Mathew

Party: Independent

Term: 2019

Electorate: Utrok

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister of Internal Affairs

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Hon Dr. Hilda Heine

Party: Independent

Term: 2011-15, 2015-current

Electorate: Aur

Province: N/A

Political Status: Opposition Member

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Hon Kitlang Kabua

Party: N/A

Term: 2019 - 2023

Electorate: Kwajalein Municipality

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister of Education, Sports and Training

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Hon. Daisy Alik-Momotaro

Party: Independent

Term: 2011 - 2015; 2015 - 2019

Electorate: Jaluit

Province: N/A

Political Status: Senator

Senator Evelyn Konou

Party: N/A

Term: 1993-97

Electorate: Jaluit

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister of Health Services and Environment (1993); Minister for Education (1994-97)

Nauru - Past National Women MPs

Hon Ruby Dediya

Party: N/A

Term: N/A

Electorate: Anetan/Ewa

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister of Finance (1986-89)

Niue - Past National Women MPs

Hon. Taulelehemaama Salilo Tongia

Party: None

Term: N/A

Electorate: Makefu

Province: N/A

Political Status: N/A

Palau - Past National Women MPs

Delegate Dilami Saiske

Party: N/A

Term: 2016-2020

Electorate: Ngarchelong

Province: Ngarchelong

Political Status: Delegate

Governor Akiko C. Bedor Sugiyama

Party: N/A

Term: N/A

Electorate: Ngardmau State

Province: Ngardmau State

Political Status: State Governor (current); National Senator (1996-2001)

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Senator Katherine Kesolei

Party: None

Term: N/A

Electorate: Common Roll

Province: N/A

Political Status: Senator

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Senator Regina Kyota Mesebeluu

Party: None

Term: 2008-12

Electorate: Common Roll

Province: N/A

Political Status: Senator

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Senator Sandra Pierantozzi

Party: N/A

Term: N/A

Electorate: Nation-wide

Province: N/A

Political Status: Floor Leader

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Papua New Guinea - Past National Women MPs

Dame Carol Kidu

Party: National Alliance

Term: 2002-2007, 2007-2012

Electorate: Port Morseby - West

Province: Central

Political Status: National Parliament - Leader of Opposition

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Dame Josephine Abaijah

Party: N/A

Term: 1977-1982, 1997-2000

Electorate: NCD (1977-82); Milne Bay Regional (1997-2000)

Province: NCD (1977-82) Milne Bay (1997-2000)

Political Status: N/A

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Hon Delilah Gore

Party: Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) Party

Term: 2012-2017

Electorate: Sohe Open

Province: Oro

Political Status: N/A

Hon Loujaya Toni

Party: Indigenous People's Party

Term: 2012-

Electorate: Lae Open

Province: Morobe

Political Status: Minister for Community Development

Hon Nahau Rooney

Party: N/A

Term: 1977-1982, 1982-1987

Electorate: Manus Regional constituency

Province: Manus

Political Status: Former Member of Parliament

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Hon Waliyato Clowes

Party: Papuan Alliance

Term: 1977-1982

Electorate: Midde Fly Open

Province: Western Province

Political Status: N/A

Julie Soso Akeke

Party: National Alliance

Term: 2012-2017

Electorate: Eastern Highlands Regional

Province: Eastern Highlands

Political Status: Governor of EHP (2012-17)

PNG – Bougainville - Past National Women MPs

No Women MPs

Samoa - Past National Women MPs

Hon Fuimaono Naoia Tei

Party: Samoan Democratic United Party (2006-09) + Tautua Samoa Party (2009-10)

Term: 2006-2011

Electorate: Falealili

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of Parliament

Hon Leaupepe Taulapapa Faimaala Fuatino Vaovasamanaia Filipo

Party: N/A

Term: N/A

Electorate: N/A

Province: N/A

Political Status: N/A

Hon Safuneitu’uga Pa’aga Neri

Party: Human Rights People's Party

Term: 2006-2011

Electorate: Gagaifomauga No. 2

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister of Communication and Technology

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Hon. Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau

Party: Human Rights Peoples Party

Term: 2016-2021

Electorate: Alataua West

Province: N/A

Political Status: Chair of Parliamentary Committee for Finance and Expenditure

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Hon. Faaulusau Rosa Duffy-Stowers

Party: Human Rights Peoples Party

Term: 2016-2021

Electorate: Gagaifomauga No. 3

Province: N/A

Political Status: MP

Hon. Gatoloaifa’na Amataga Alesana Gidlow

Party: HRPP

Term: 2013-2016; 2016-2021

Electorate: Fa'asalele'aga No. 1

Province: N/A

Political Status: MP

Solomon Islands - Past National Women MPs

Hon Freda Tuki Soriocomua

Party: People’s Alliance Party

Term: 2014-2018; 2019 to current

Electorate: Temotu Vatud

Province: Temotu

Political Status: Minister for Women, Youth, and Children's Affairs & MP

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Hon Hilda Kari

Party: Our Party

Term: 1989-1997

Electorate: North East Guadalcanal

Province: Guadalcanal

Political Status: Former Minister of Forests,Conservation & Environment and former Minister for Women, Youth & Sports

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Hon Vika Lusibaea

Party: Independent

Term: N/A

Electorate: North Malaita

Province: Malaita

Political Status: Member of Parliament

Hon. Lanelle Tanangada

Party: Kadere Party of Solomon Islands

Term: 2018-2019; 2019 to current

Electorate: Gizo/Kolombangara

Province: Western

Political Status: Minister for Education & MP

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Tonga - Past National Women MPs

Hon ‘Alisi Taumoepeau

Party: N/A

Term: N/A

Electorate: Appointed member of Parliament

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Justice & Attorney General

Hon Eseta Fusitu’a

Party: N/A

Term: N/A

Electorate: Appointed member of Parliament

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister of Informaton and Communications

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Hon. Dr. ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki

Party: None

Term: N/A

Electorate: N/A

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Education

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Tuvalu - Past National Women MPs

Dr Puakena Boreham

Party: Independent

Term: 2015-2019; 2019-2024

Electorate: Nui

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Natural Resources and Lands

Hon Naamal Maheu Latasi

Party: N/A

Term: 1989-1993, 1993-97

Electorate: Nanumea

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Health, Education and Community Services

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Hon. Pelenike Tekinene Isaia

Party: None

Term: N/A

Electorate: Nui

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Home Affairs and Rural Development

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Vanuatu - Past National Women MPs

Hon Hilda Lini

Party: VU and NUP

Term: 1987-1996

Electorate: Port Vila

Province: N/A

Political Status: Various ministerial portfolios

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Hon Isabelle Donald

Party: Vanua'aku Pati

Term: 2002-2008

Electorate: Epi

Province: Shefa

Political Status: Member of Parliament

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Hon Leinavao Tasso

Party: Vanua'aku Pati

Term: 2004-2008

Electorate: Epi

Province: Shefa

Political Status: Minister for Education (2007-8) & MP

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Hon Maria Crowby

Party: UMP

Term: 1987-91

Electorate: Port Vila

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of Parliament

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Hon. Eta Rory

Party: Vanuatu Republican Party

Term: 2008-2012

Electorate: Malekula

Province: N/A

Political Status: Former Minister of Agriculture

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