Mele Siuʻilikutapu
HRH Princess Mele Siuʻilikutapu (born 12 May 1948) is a Tongan royal and former politician. In 1975 she was elected to the Legislative Assembly, becoming its first female member.
Mele Siuʻilikutapu | |
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Member of the Legislative Assembly | |
In office 1975–1978 | |
Constituency | Tongatapu |
Personal details | |
Born | 12 May 1948 |
Biography
Siu’ilikutapu was born in May 1948, the oldest daughter of Prince Fatafehi Tuʻipelehake and his wife Melenaite Tupoumoheofo Veikune.[1][2] She attended the University of Auckland, where in October 1969 she married Josh Liava'a, a policeman.[3] As a result, King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV had her returned to Tonga and annulled the marriage. The following year she married Kalanivalu-Fotofili, a noble.[2]
In 1975 she contested the elections to the Legislative Assembly, and was elected as a people's representative in Tongatapu, becoming the country's first female parliamentarian.[4][5] She remained a member until 1978.[4]
She later became deputy president of the National Women's Organisation.[6]
References
- Margaret Hixon (1999) Sālote: Queen of Paradise, p135
- Married again (by royal consent) Pacific Islands Monthly, November 1970, p33
- Michael Field (2010) Swimming with Sharks p80
- Ian Christopher Campbell (2001) Island Kingdom: Tonga Ancient and Modern, p281
- Advancing Women’s Representation in Tonga A Woman’s Place is in the House
- Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Auckland Prayer Breakfast