Hilda
Lini, a chief (Motarilavoa) of the Turaga nation of Pentecost Island in Vanuatu,
helped her nation win its independence in 1980. She was the only female member
of Parliament from 1987 to 1998, and served in many positions such as Minister
for Justice, Minister for Health and Foreign Minister. During the last few years
of her political service, Motarilavoa Hilda Lini represented The Vanuatu Movement,
the political party she founded. After her public service, she was the Director
of the Pacific Concerns Resource Center and was the Representative of the Pacific
Region at the UN Non-proliferation Review Conference. Hilda Lini continues to
be a strong advocate for peace and nuclear disarmament and was nominated for the
2005 Nobel Peace Prize as part of the 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize project.
