Louis CollinsLast week, 29 women parliamentarians from 14 Pacific jurisdictions traded their own legislatures for New Zealand’s Parliament in wintry Wellington. The gathering comes as Pacific nations continue to grapple with the barriers preventing more women from entering politics. Among those attending was Lenora Qereqeretabua, assistant minister and deputy speaker of Fiji’s parliament. Although women remain underrepresented in Fiji’s parliament, the parliamentarian says those who are in politics and other leadership roles are making a significant impact in boardroom, departmental and governance roles. Ruta Baabo Manate, meanwhile, one of just four women MPs in Kiribati’s parliament, said her country’s geography creates an additional challenge for women seeking elected office.