Teimumu Kepa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Ro Teimumu Kepa MP
Leader of the Opposition
In office 6 October 2014 – 20 November 2018
Prime Minister	Frank Bainimarama
Preceded by	Mick Beddoes (2006)
Succeeded by	Sitiveni Rabuka
Leader of SODELPA
In office March 2014 – 26 June 2016
Preceded by	Tupeni Baba (provisional)
Succeeded by	Sitiveni Rabuka
Minister for Education
In office 2001 – 4 December 2006
Prime Minister	Laisenia Qarase
Preceded by	Nelson Delailomaloma
Minister for Women, Culture, and Social Welfare
In office 28 July 2000 – 2001
Member of the Senate of Fiji
In office 1999–2001
Member of the Fijian Parliament for SODELPA List
In office 17 September 2014 – 14 December 2022
Member of Parliament for Rewa
In office September 2001 – 4 December 2006
Preceded by	Timoci Silatolu
Succeeded by	None (Parliament disestablished)
Personal details
Born	(1945-12-18) 18 December 1945 (age 79) Lomanikoro, Colony of Fiji
Political party	Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua Social Democratic Liberal
Parent	George Tuisawau (father)

Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa was born on December 18, 1945. She is an important Fijian chief and a former member of the Parliament of Fiji. She also used to lead the Social Democratic Liberal Party. Ro Teimumu Kepa made history as the first Fijian woman to become the Leader of the Opposition. Before that, she was the Deputy Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006. She holds a very special title, Roko Tui Dreketi, which means she is the highest chief of the Burebasaga Confederacy.

About Ro Teimumu Kepa's Life

Ro Teimumu Kepa grew up in Lomanikoro, a place in Rewa. She went to the University of the South Pacific and earned a degree in Arts. After her studies, she worked as a principal at Corpus Christi College. Later, she helped students at the University of the South Pacific as a coordinator.

In 2004, she became the Roko Tui Dreketi. This important role was previously held by her older sister, Ro Lady Lala Mara. The Roko Tui Dreketi is seen as the most important chief in the Burebasaga Confederacy. This is one of the three main groups of chiefs in Fiji.

Ro Teimumu Kepa was married to Sailosi Kepa. He was also a very important person in Fiji. He served as a High Commissioner (a top diplomat) in London. He was also a Minister of Justice and Attorney General. Later, he became a High Court Judge, an Ombudsman, and the first head of Fiji's Human Rights Commission.

Ro Teimumu Kepa's Political Journey

Ro Teimumu Kepa began her political career in 1999 when she was chosen to be part of the Senate. After some changes in the government in 2000, she became the Minister for Women, Culture, and Social Welfare.

In the 2001 election, she ran for a seat in Parliament for the Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua party. She won the Rewa area with many votes. After this election, she was given the role of Minister for Education.

In 2005, she was chosen to lead the Rewa Provincial Council. She later stepped down from this role to keep her seat in Parliament. In October 2005, Ro Teimumu Kepa was also elected to the main board of UNESCO. This is a big international organization that promotes education, science, and culture.

She ran for election again in 2006 and won, continuing her work as the Minister for Education, Youth, and Sports. When the government changed in 2006, Ro Teimumu Kepa spoke out strongly. She used her position in the Great Council of Chiefs to share her views. She continued to speak up for what she believed was right.

In March 2014, Ro Teimumu Kepa was chosen to lead the new Social Democratic Liberal Party. She led the party into the 2014 election. Her party won 15 out of 50 seats in Parliament. Ro Teimumu Kepa herself received a large number of votes. On October 6, 2014, she became the Leader of the Opposition. This means she was the main voice of the parties not in power.

In June 2016, Ro Teimumu Kepa announced that she would step down as the leader of her party, SODELPA. Sitiveni Rabuka, a former Prime Minister, took over her role. She was re-elected to Parliament in the 2018 elections. She continued to be one of the top female candidates with many votes.

Running for President in 2021

On October 22, 2021, Ro Teimumu Kepa was put forward as her party's choice for the position of president of Fiji. She received support from 23 members of Parliament. However, she was not elected. The government's candidate, Wiliame Katonivere, won the vote. If Ro Teimumu Kepa had been elected, she would have been the first woman to hold the position of President of Fiji.