By Neena Bhandari
Sydney, 09.10.2010 (IDN): Helen Samu Hakena exudes a serenity that belies her extraordinary energy and inner strength that she has devoted to the cause of justice, peace building and advocating for women’s and human rights and the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325.
Recognising her expertise in advancing the role and interests of women in peace and security processes, Helen has been nominated to the Asia-Pacific Regional Advisory Group on Women, Peace and Security launched in Bangkok (Thailand) this week to mark the 10th Anniversary of the adoption of UNSCR 1325. It is the first regional group of its kind that will advise and support governments, civil society and other relevant players on the effective implementation of the resolution in the Asia-Pacific region.
Born as a `woman chief’ on September 13, 1955 in Gogohe village on Buka Island in the Papua New Guinean (PNG) province of Bougainville, Helen’s parents ensured that she was raised with high ideals to lead her clan. Christian teachings on morality had a strong and powerful influence on her.