Ati George Sokomanu

Wife of Vanuatu's first head of state farewelled

Known to everyone as Vanuatu's first ever First Lady, Leitak was Ati George Sokomanu's helper during the struggle towards the birth of a new nation in the 1970s.

She would cook and ensure people could gather at the family home for meals and avoid the attention of the French and British colonial masters.

At the funeral the wife of Vanuatu's first Prime Minister, Mary Lini, said Leitak is Vanuatu's Mother of Independence, because of all the commitments she made to George and his friends and their families, so could continue the mission of achieving Independence.

More backing for increase in women MPs in Vanuatu

Mr Sokomanu said Vanuatu needs women involved in the development of the nation.

He made his comments as he opened the 'Women Leaders National Strategic Dialogue and Training,' which is being attended by more than 100 leaders.

Motarilavoa Hilda Lini, the spokesperson for Advocates for Women said Vanuatu women are absolutely committed, in their traditional roles as family and community economists, to making sure the culture, communities and nation thrives.

She said Vanuatu needs 50 percent of Parliament to be occupied by women.

Vanuatu's former president reveals attempts to stop independence

Mr Sokomanu gave a speech saying how important it was to gain political freedom from colonial rule.

He said no amount of money, especially in the form of a bribe, compares with the hunger for freedom after 74 years of colonial rule over the then New Hebrides.