Vanuatu's newly established women's political party, Leleon Vanua, is about to launch a campaign in the provinces to explain why such a party is needed.
Vanuatu parliament building in the capital Port Vila. Photo: RNZI/ Walter Zweifel
Vanuatu has no women in its 52-seat parliament and Leleon Vanua has been set up to try and change this.
Dr Andrina Thomas of the Civil Society Influencing Network says they are out to change the mindset that women should stay home, cooking food and raising families, and not get involved in leadership and management.
"We have to go out there and say look we are doing our duty. Our traditional society already recognises the efforts of women, and we want the formal system to also incorporate women because if you only have one voice, then you are not inclusive.
"And when we talk about gender equality and social inclusion women must be part of the process because they make 49 percent of the population."
