Helen Hakena

Overview

Helen Samu Hakena born Gogohe, Buka Island, Bougainville September 13, 1955. Bougainville peacemaker in 1990-2001 war; co-founded Leitana Nehan Women’s Development Agency (LNWDA) 1992 with motto “women weaving Bougainville together.”

Quotations

Colonialism and the war have eroded women’s traditional leadership, conflict resolution and custodial roles. Through our advocacy work we are trying to re-establish women’s roles.”

We can break the cycle of violence by putting women in positions of power.” (Neena Bhandari, India Voice; photo apwld.com)