(1888PressRelease)
August 21, 2008 - In the male dominated arena of politics, women need a special recommendation. Women such as Ms Hilary Clinton, who is once more in the headlines, now backing Barack Obama, who is again under violent attack.
A world away, on a tropical island in Vanuatu, in the South Pacific, another woman who dared to enter politics, faces unbelievable odds. Mrs Jenny Ligo is also under pressure from an unexpected source.
Jenny has followed her famous Aunt’s footsteps, when she was granted a chiefly title early this year, by the head of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Paul Tahi. In order to enter the brutal field of politics, Jenny ceremoniously killed eleven pigs. A feat Ms Ligo also performed at her wedding to Joe Ligo, late last year.
Jenny is the niece of Political and Women’s rights activist, Grace Molisa. She became the first woman to take up the post of private secretary to the first Prime Minister of the country, the late Father Walter Lini, 28 years ago, after the nation received its independence.
It’s only weeks to the general election in Vanuatu and Mrs Ligo has returned to her home island of Ambae. All should have been plain sailing for this courageous lady as she traveled to most parts of the island. Wrong!
On behalf of some of the Chiefs of Ambae, Chief Moli Tari said according to island custom principles, Jenny is not allowed to contest in her home island. Strange how this principle never floated to the surface during the pig killing ceremony. Perhaps the ancient custom principles of the island change from day to day?
Chief Moli told Jenny she can only contest the Ambae constituency on one condition. She must perform a custom ceremony, presenting the chiefs with 10 tusked pigs. This is because she was married to Joe Ligo on the island of Pentecost.
You can’t shop around in Vanuatu and readily buy 10 tusked pigs. Particularly if the pig is of any reasonable age and size. Pig tusks are real currency in Vanuatu. They are the wealth of every village and are one of their highly prized possessions.
Chief Moli is not a resident of Ambae island. Would Jenny have to present the pigs on the island of Ambae, or to the chief residing on the distant island of Santo? Will they be flown to the island if Mrs Ligo manages to find 10 tusked pigs?
Two chiefs from the chiefly rank of Mambuhangvulu, the second highest rank of the Ambae chiefly system, have stepped into the political arena. Chief Benwel Garae of North Ambae and Chief Pascal Sese of Lolopuepue declared to the local newspaper in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, the call made by Chief Moli is childish and has no substance.
Jenny would be happy to meet face to face with Chief Moli, but for some unknown reason, Chief Moli is not available.
Jenny, a mother, and gently spoken woman, has a real heart for the next generation. We have full confidence that the strongly determined, former chairwoman for the National Council of Women has what is needed to contest this election. Jenny is the kind of candidate who can alter the education situation in Vanuatu, where there is no free education.
YouMe Support Foundation is one of the few charities assisting the children in these tropical islands. Through a Blue Moon Opportunity they offer you a chance to change your lifestyle, as well as make a real difference in these children’ lives. Like Jenny, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity you can’t afford to miss.It could be the means of making your dreams come true.
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