Opposition leader Tina Browne has hailed Aitutaki’s Island Council election a success, noting a significant increase in the number of women elected as council members.

The Aitutaki community this week witnessed the swearing-in ceremony for their recently elected Island Government Council members, including their new mayor.

There were six new council members – four female and two males elected for the new four-year term. Two councillors – a male and a female – were re-elected from the previous council.

Referring to new mayor Nicholas “Nick” Royle Henry’s comment on Aitutaki voted for change and “the winds of change have started to blow”, Browne said the “winds of change” were a victory for gender equality in the Pacific

“Gender inequality has long been a pervasive issue in the Pacific, where less than seven per cent of Parliamentarians are women, compared to the global average of 27 per cent,” said Browne, the leader of the Democratic Party.

“This disparity speaks volumes about the challenges women in our region face in gaining representation and influence in decision-making spaces.”
She said that over the past four years, she has had the privilege of attending numerous women’s forums across the Pacific, participating as a presenter, resource person, and attendee. 

These forums have repeatedly highlighted the pressing need to empower women, increase their representation at decision-making tables, and enhance the inclusivity and effectiveness of our Parliaments in tackling inequality.

“Today, however, I am inspired to share a breath of fresh air under the banner of “Winds of Change”. My heartfelt congratulations go out to the women of Aitutaki – our fearless vainetoas – who successfully secured five seats on the Island Council,” Browne said.

“This is a remarkable achievement, not just for them, but for the entire Araura Enua community, which had the courage to embrace change. I also extend my congratulations to the new mayor and the men elected to the Council.

“As the Mayor-elect rightly stated, having women on the team will undoubtedly lead to meaningful progress.”
Browne said the seeds of this shift were first seen during recent consultations in Aitutaki on the Constitutional Amendment Bills.

“The voices of the ‘vainetini’ were powerful and unshakable at those meetings, demonstrating the strength and resolve of women determined to shape the future of their community. 

 “I could not have been prouder of these women. The winds of change are indeed blowing strong, and it’s time we all stand united in this movement for gender equality.

“Together, let us keep pushing forward, driven by the belief that when women lead, we all thrive. Tei mua, mua tatou ete iti vaine!”