Dr Alice Aruhe’eta Pollard is among the Solomon Islands most prominent women leaders. . She founded in 1999 and is currently leading a rural based women’s association named West AreAre Rokotanikeni Association, an advocacy group that promotes women in leadership, women’s economic strength and livelihoods.

As a researcher on various social issues and leadership in Solomon Islands, Dr Pollard has a deep understanding of the impact of gender, development and culture on agriculture and food security, leadership, community development and gender.

She was a key figure in the Women for Peace movement at the height of the Solomons’ civil conflict, a member of various boards and committees, Coordinator of Women in Government Strategic Programme (2008 -2010), Chairperson of the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education Council (2009 -2011), currently chairs the University of the South Pacific, Solomon Islands Campus Advisory Committee, also chairs the Solomon Islands Democratic Party and Director of Leadership development program. Dr Pollard is one of only three Solomon Islands women with a PhD.