In a groundbreaking achievement for Vanuatu, Angelyne Glenda Dovo Roy, an alumna of Australia Awards Vanuatu, has been appointed as the nation’s first female Attorney General. Her appointment on June 16, 2025, marks a historic moment not only for the Office of the Attorney General but also for women in leadership across the Pacific region.
Angelyne’s legal career spans more than two decades of committed public service. After graduating from the University of the South Pacific in December 1999 and completing a Professional Legal Practice program in Fiji, she began her career at Vanuatu’s State Law Office (SLO) in September 2000. Her journey within the SLO has been both exemplary and inspiring. Starting as State Counsel in the Drafting Unit, she rose through the ranks to become Parliamentary Counsel in 2004—the first Ni-Vanuatu woman to hold that position. In this role, she led the Drafting Unit for over two decades, demonstrating her commitment to efficient legal service delivery.
Throughout her tenure, Angelyne has played a critical role in legislative drafting, policy advising, and legal reforms. Her vast experience within the government has enabled her to master complex legal and client-related challenges. Her leadership was instrumental during the transition of the State Law Office to the Office of the Attorney General, a shift made through legislative amendments under her legal guidance.
Her academic journey, supported by the Australia Awards scholarship, further shaped her legal expertise and professional confidence. Studying at Bond University in Queensland, Australia, she pursued a Master of Laws program that exposed her to a broad range of legal subjects, including negotiations, environmental law, international commercial arbitration, and digital law. This experience allowed her to deepen her legal knowledge and opened avenues for specialisation she had not previously considered.
As Attorney General, Angelyne is focused on enhancing the capacity and efficiency of the Office of the Attorney General. She remains dedicated to providing high-quality legal services to the Government of Vanuatu and supporting sound public policy and justice reforms.
Although decisions on gender equality initiatives are made at the executive level of government, Angelyne views her role as one that can ensure timely and effective legal support for such legislation. Her historic appointment stands as a beacon of inspiration for young women in Vanuatu. “If I can get there, they can too,” she affirms, encouraging the next generation to aim high and pursue leadership roles in their own right.
Angelyne’s story underscores the transformative power of education and opportunity. Through her example, and the support of Australia Awards Vanuatu, leadership in the Pacific continues to evolve—fostering inclusive progress and empowering women to break new ground.