×

National Women MPs

Home » Women MPs » National Women MPs

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 8.8% (as at March 2024).

Regional Trends:

Pacific Women MPs 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019  2020 2023
 2024
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 Novemeber 2025 there are only 59 women MPs out of 614 MPs altogether who are currently sitting in their national legislatures.

Countries Number of MPs Number of Women % of Women
Niue 20 6 30.0
Cook Islands 24 6 25.0
Federated States of Micronesia 14 3 21.4
Palau 29*** 2 (Senate); 4 (Delegates) 20.6
Tokelau 20 4 20.0
Marshall Islands 33 4 12.1
PNG – Autonomous Region of Bougainville
44 5 11.4
Kiribati 46 5 10.8
Nauru 19 2 10.5
Samoa 51 5* 9.8
Fiji 51 5 9.8
Solomon Islands 50 4 8.0
Tonga 28* 3 7.1
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). Two of the women MPs are Ministers appointed by the King, not directly elected. 

**This comprises 5 directly elected women MPs. Once all election petitions are determined and any by-elections held, Samoa will need to appoint at least 1 more woman to meet the 10% quota for women that is required by law. 
*** 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: 2012-14; 2014-18; 2018-22

Electorate: Titikaveka

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of Parliament

Read More

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

Read More

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)

Read More

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

Read More

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)

Read More

Hon. Rosy Sofia Akbar

Party: FijiFirst

Term: 2014-18; 2018-22; Dec-2022-Feb-23

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Previous Minister; current Opposition

Read More

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

Read More

Hon. Selai Adimaitoga

Party: FijiFirst

Term: 2018-2022

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs

Read More

Hon. Tanya Waqanika

Party: SODELPA

Term: 2020-2022

Electorate: Fiji

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of the Opposition

Read More

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

Read More

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 Taabeta Teakai

Party: Independent

Term: 2020 -2024

Electorate: South Tarawa

Province: N/A

Political Status: MP

Read More

Hon Teima Onorio

Party: Boutokan Te Koaua (Government)

Term: 2003-07; 2007-12; 2012-16; 2020-24

Electorate: Arorae

Province: Arorae

Political Status: Member of the Opposition

Read More

Hon. Maere Tekanene

Party: Boutokan Te Koaua (Government)

Term: N/A

Electorate: Tarawa

Province: South Tarawa

Political Status: Minister for Education

Read More

Hon. Shiu Fung Jong

Party: Pillars of Truth

Term: 2016-20; 2020-24

Electorate: South Tarawa

Province: N/A

Political Status: MP

Read More

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

Read More

Hon Kitlang Kabua

Party: N/A

Term: 2019 - 2023

Electorate: Kwajalein Municipality

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister of Education, Sports and Training

Read More

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. Joan Sisiati Tahafa Viliamu

Party: N/A

Term: 2017-20; 2020-23

Electorate: Common roll (Open seat)

Province: N/A

Political Status: MP - Common Roll seat

Read More

Hon. Taulelehemaama Salilo Tongia

Party: None

Term: N/A

Electorate: Makefu

Province: N/A

Political Status: N/A

Hon. Va’aiga Paotama Tukuitonga

Party: N/A

Term: 2017-20; 2020-23

Electorate: Alofi North

Province: N/A

Political Status: MP

Read More

Palau - Past National Women MPs

Delegate Dilami Saiske

Party: N/A

Term: 2016-2020

Electorate: Ngarchelong

Province: Ngarchelong

Political Status: Delegate

Delegate Victoria Ngiratkakl-Kanai

Party: N/A

Term: 2016-2020; 2020-2024

Electorate: Airai State

Province: Airai State

Political Status: Delegate

Read More

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)

Read More

Senator Cecilia Elbedechel

Party: N/A

Term: 2020-2024

Electorate: Common Roll

Province: OEK Senate

Political Status: Senator

Senator Katherine Kesolei

Party: None

Term: N/A

Electorate: Common Roll

Province: N/A

Political Status: Senator

Read More

Senator Regina Kyota Mesebeluu

Party: None

Term: 2008-12

Electorate: Common Roll

Province: N/A

Political Status: Senator

Read More

Senator Sandra Pierantozzi

Party: N/A

Term: N/A

Electorate: Nation-wide

Province: N/A

Political Status: Floor Leader

Read More

Vice-President J. Uduch Sengebau-Senior

Party: None

Term: Senator (2012-16; 2016-20); Vice President 2021-24

Electorate: N/A

Province: Palau

Political Status: Vice-President of Palau

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More

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 Ali’imalemanu Alofa Tuuau

Party: HRPP

Term: 2016-2021; 2021-2025

Electorate: Elected through women's quota

Province: N/A

Political Status: Opposition Member

Read More

Hon Faagasealii Sapoa Feagiai

Party: HRPP

Term: 2021-2025

Electorate: Elected through women's quota

Province: N/A

Political Status: Opposition Member

Read More

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 Matamua Vasati Pulufana

Party: F.A.S.T Party

Term: 2021-2025

Electorate: Fa’asaleleaga No.1

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister of Justice

Read More

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

Read More

Hon Tofa Faimalotoa Kika Iemaima Stowers

Party: Human Rights Peoples Party

Term: 2014-2016; 2016-2021; 2021-2025

Electorate: Gagaifomauga No.1

Province: N/A

Political Status: MP

Read More

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

Read More

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 Ethel Lency Vokia

Party: Independent

Term: 2020 - 2024

Electorate: North East Guadalcanal

Province: Guadalcanal

Political Status: Member of Parliament

Read More

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

Read More

Hon Lillian Maefai

Party: OUR Party

Term: 2019 - 2024

Electorate: East Makira

Province: Makira Province

Political Status: Member of Parliament

Read More

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; 2019-2024

Electorate: Gizo/Kolombangara

Province: Western

Political Status: Minister for Education & MP

Read More

Tonga - Past National Women MPs

Hon ‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu

Party: Independent

Term: 2016 - 2017; 2017 - 2021

Electorate: Vava'u 16

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister

Read More

Hon Dulcie Elaine Tei

Party: N/A

Term: 2022-2025

Electorate: Tongatapu 6

Province: Tongatapu

Political Status: Former MP

Read More

Hon Lepolo Mahe Taunisila

Party: N/A

Term: 2005-2008

Electorate: Niuas

Province: N/A

Political Status: MP

Hon Ofa Fusitu’a

Party: N/A

Term: 1993=1995

Electorate: Niuas

Province: N/A

Political Status: MP

Hon Papiloa Foliaki

Party: N/A

Term: 1978=1980

Electorate: Tongatapu

Province: N/A

Political Status: MP

Read More

Hon Princess Mele Siu ‘ilikutapu

Party: N/A

Term: 1975-1977

Electorate: Tongatapu

Province: N/A

Political Status: MP

Hon. Losaline Ma’asi

Party: N/A

Term: 2017 - 2021

Electorate: Tongatapu 5

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of Parliament

Minister ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu

Party: N/A

Term: 2019 - 2021

Electorate: Appointed

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Health

Read More

Minister ‘Ana Akau’ola

Party: N/A

Term: Jan 2025 to Nov-2025

Electorate: Appointed

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Health

Read More

MInister ‘Ana Maui Taufe’ulungaki

Party: None

Term: Jan 2011 to Nov 2014

Electorate: Appointed

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Education, Women's Affairs and Culture

Read More

Minister ‘Alisi Taumoepeau

Party: N/A

Term: 16 May 2006 to 31 May 2009

Electorate: Appointed

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Justice & Attorney General

Minister Eseta Fusitu’a

Party: N/A

Term: April 2009 to Nov 2010

Electorate: Appointed

Province: N/A

Political Status: Min of Info & Comms

Read More

Minister Sinaitakala Tu’itahi

Party: N/A

Term: Jan 2025 - Nov 2025

Electorate: Appointed

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Internal Affairs

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

Read More

Hon. Pelenike Tekinene Isaia

Party: None

Term: N/A

Electorate: Nui

Province: N/A

Political Status: Minister for Home Affairs and Rural Development

Read More

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

Read More

Hon Isabelle Donald

Party: Vanua'aku Pati

Term: 2002-2008

Electorate: Epi

Province: Shefa

Political Status: Member of Parliament

Read More

Hon Julia King

Party: UMP

Term: 2022-2025

Electorate: Mele

Province: Port Vila

Political Status: Former MP

Hon Leinavao Tasso

Party: Vanua'aku Pati

Term: 2004-2008

Electorate: Epi

Province: Shefa

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

Read More

Hon Maria Crowby

Party: UMP

Term: 1987-91

Electorate: Port Vila

Province: N/A

Political Status: Member of Parliament

Read More

Hon. Eta Rory

Party: Vanuatu Republican Party

Term: 2008-2012

Electorate: Malekula

Province: N/A

Political Status: Former Minister of Agriculture

Read More