A women’s' rights activist in Vanuatu says Parliament is not just for men.
RNZI reports Prime Minister Charlot Salwai introduced bills for 25 constitutional changes on Thursday, among them a bill to allow for reserved seats for women in Parliament.
The bill would ultimately go to a public referendum.
The chair of Women Against Crime and Corruption, Jenny Ligo, says people are afraid of breaking kastom and culture, but women should be a part of the decision making process at a national level.
"I think nationwide we need to take it that Parliament is not only for men, they think Parliament is only for themselves and they are wrong," she said.
"Women need to consider, that this is not about one group of women, it has to be a national issue, and women need to think national."
Jenny Ligo wants up to 20 seats reserved for women.
Vanuatu Kastom performer at International Day for Rural Women, October 2015 - Emua Village.Photo: Courtesy of UN Women - Nicky Kuautonga