While the 14th Legislature officially commenced Tuesday with the usual formalities, one presence stood out—Marie Louise Milne, the only female Vanuatu Member of Parliament (MP) among 51 male counterparts.
Though she was not appointed as a minister, Milne made it clear that her role in Parliament extends beyond titles, carrying the weight of representation for women across the country.
“As we all know, today is the 11th of February 2025. It is the first time I have entered the National Parliament of Vanuatu in the chamber. For me, this marks a historic moment in my political journey. While sitting in the Parliament chamber, I felt that the people of Port Vila had truly exercised their fundamental right,” she told the Daily Post Newspaper.
Her journey to Parliament was not an easy one, and she wasted no time in using her first day to set the tone for what she hopes to achieve. She acknowledged the privilege of taking the first oath and framed it as a symbolic moment for all women in Vanuatu.
“Now, it’s time for us to work. On my first day in Parliament, I was given the privilege and honor of taking the first oath as the only female MP in the Republic of Vanuatu in the 14th Legislature,” she said.
“I want to express my gratitude for the respect and recognition given to the women of Vanuatu by allowing me to take the first oath among the 52 MPs. I am very proud of this moment.
“As a responsible MP and a dedicated mother, I carry a great responsibility to voice the concerns of women across Vanuatu, especially in Port Vila. The people elected me to represent women and mothers in Parliament, ensuring their voices are heard across the nation in the national chamber of the Republic of Vanuatu.”
She further added that as the newly elected female MP for Port Vila, she may face many challenges ahead. However, her aim is to create a better future for the children and elders.
“It is time for women to have a stronger voice in the national Parliament to ensure that the decisions made benefit not only women but also fathers and children. Today, we witness the impact of the recent earthquake, which has shaken the heartbeat of our country,”” she reflected.
“However, I stand strong, knowing that despite the challenges before us, we must rise and work together to rebuild and grow our economy—the very heartbeat of our nation.
“As the Prime Minister emphasised in his speech, we must now rise and work together. United, we stand; divided, we fall. Together, we have the responsibility to develop our country.2
Her presence in Parliament highlights a bigger issue—Vanuatu still has very few women in politics. While she is the only female MP this term, Milne is already looking ahead to 2029, urging more women to step up and make a change.
“As the only current female MP in the Vanuatu Parliament, I want to assure all the women of Vanuatu that I will stand strong and always be a voice for our concerns as struggling mothers of this nation, striving for a better future for our children and all citizens” she said.
“I also want to encourage any woman considering entering politics not to give up. The 2029 election is coming, and even if you face setbacks, remain strong. One day, you can succeed, just as I did. Let my journey be an example—never give up for the sake of our children and our nation.”
As Parliament embarks on this new session, Milne’s words serve as both a call to action and a reminder that true representation is about more than just being present—it is about making voices heard in a system that has long been dominated by men.
