The only woman in Solomon Islands' National Parliament says having reserved seats for women is not necessary if women can get the support of men.
Vika Lusibaea, just the second woman MP in the Solomon Islands Parliament, won a by-election in North Malaita after the sitting member, her husband Jimmy Lusibaea, was jailed on a violence charge.
Speaking in Parliament for the first time Mrs Lusibaea urged women to prepare early and work with the grassroots to achieve success during elections.
"I am confident that it is possible for any woman to win an election in our country without having to request for the reserved seats. I believe that the secret lies in the partnership between the husband and wife and speaking the language of the people and sharing the struggle of our rural people. I hope that my election win will be a motivation to other aspiring women who plan to contest in 2014 to start planning now."
Solomon Islands' only woman MP, Vika Lusibaea.
