From Port Vila City Council to Parliament: Vanuatu's Lone Woman in Parliament on Women's Political Leadership
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Marie Louise Milne is a Member of Parliament of Vanuatu since 2025, serving in the Parliamentary Secretariat. Formerly elected to the Port Vila Municipal Council, she has extensive experience in local governance and is deeply engaged in women’s political participation, gender equality, enhanced civic engagement, and capacity building for young women leaders, promoting inclusive, people-centered legislation nationwide.
Marie Louise Milne did not imagine she would one day become the only woman serving in Vanuatu’s Parliament. Elected just over a year ago to represent Port Vila, the capital, the moment marked not just a personal achievement but another historic breakthrough for women in her country.
Her path into politics was neither quick nor accidental. “I did not step into politics overnight,” she explains. For years, she worked alongside her husband through his own political journey, as Member of Parliament, minister, and deputy prime minister. “I accompanied him to meetings, to negotiations and observed how decisions were taken for the benefit of our nation.” What others saw as the role of a political spouse was actually solid preparation: “When the time came for me to step forward, I carried with me the lessons learned in those years of quiet observation and active support to my husband.”
Milne’s formal political path began with a reserved seat in the Port Vila City Council, where she was twice elected and served for seven years, including as deputy mayor. Those years were foundational. “It took me 15 years to be involved as a servant of my community, then as a servant in local government, and now in the national Parliament,” she says. “What helped me stand is my campaign team, my community, and the trust that I gained.”
But challenges came too, especially during her campaign. “Because of our culture, people say politics is not for women, it’s for men,” she recalls. In those moments, community leaders stepped in. “The chiefs said: think of a canoe—you have the canoe and you have the paddle. Without the paddle, the canoe cannot go where you want. It’s the same with a plane. You need both wings to take people where they need to go.” Milne knew trust was essential and anchored in community. “You gain the trust of the chiefs through your actions. You must show results.” On intergenerational collaboration, she is clear: “We need the wisdom of our older women. We need the vision of our current leaders, and we need the energy of youth, our future leaders.”
Her victory in Port Vila was important. “In my constituency, there were 32 candidates—31 male and I was the only female. There were only five seats, and I took the last seat. I am proud to be the only woman Member of Parliament in Vanuatu.” But that pride comes with a purpose to strengthen women’s representation. “The battle is yet to be won. We need to work together in partnership with men so women can have a voice in Parliament. When women’s voices are heard, everybody benefits.”
Milne believes that advancing women’s leadership requires three commitments: “Mentorship, opportunities, and partnership.” Experienced leaders must guide and mentor young women. Real spaces—not symbolic ones—must be created for them to lead, including through special measures and quotas, which Milne sees “as stepping stones that prepare leaders”. And men and women, younger and older generations must see one another as allies, not competitors.
“We are in 2025. It is our time. Don’t wait for permission to lead. Speak with your heart.”
The Convening took place under the WYDE | Women’s Leadership initiative, funded by the European Union, which is a collaborative global effort aimed at advancing women’s full and effective political participation and decision-making at all levels, especially those most often left furthest behind.