A well known women's advocate on Bougainville, Helen Hakena, is to contest the elections in August.
Ms Hakena has run the Leitana Nehan Women's Development Agency for 29 years, providing help and assistance to women affected by the civil war crisis and its aftermath.
She said she has been asked to stand a number of times before but couldn't leave an organisation that provided vital support for women.
"I have been doing peace building work across all regions of Bougainville so I am standing this time because I think the timing is right. And I believe I can create change, for our people here," Helena Hakena.
Helen Hakena will contest the North Bougainville women's seat.
Helen Hakena. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
