Kiribati’s Minister for Women, Ruth Cross Kwansing, has recently evolved her views on women’s political representation, now advocating for special parliamentary seats reserved for women. Initially, after entering politics last year, Kwansing held the belief that women should obtain their positions based solely on merit. However, she has come to recognize that systemic barriers hinder fair participation for women, highlighting an urgent need for increased female representation in decision-making roles.
In a reflective moment during an interview, Kwansing expressed, “I’ve come to realize I was way off the mark on that.” Her upbringing in Australia afforded her opportunities that many women in Kiribati and the broader Pacific region do not have, which has shaped her understanding of the obstacles faced by these women. She emphasized that the lack of equitable representation in politics perpetuates developmental challenges, ultimately contributing to poverty.
Kwansing’s recent participation in the United Nations General Assembly and the UN Women’s Conference ignited what she termed a “light bulb moment.” She lamented the insufficient female leadership in the region—exemplified by former Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s election defeat—and proposed the implementation of temporary special measures to ensure a minimum of 30% female representation, aspiring to reach 50%.
As the Women’s Minister, Kwansing is also concentrating on economic empowerment as a means to combat gender-based violence in Kiribati. She aims to introduce a crisis payment system designed to incentivize women to escape abusive situations. “The hope would be to encourage women to reach out for help earlier,” she noted. This initiative aims to provide financial support for women contemplating leaving abusive relationships.
Education and skill development are key aspects of Kwansing’s vision for empowering women. She plans to offer business training and micro-loans to assist women, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, in achieving financial independence and improving their livelihoods. “If you’re relying on your husband or your partner for your livelihood… we know that women will sacrifice and struggle,” she asserted, emphasizing the precarious situations many women endure.
Additionally, she highlighted how external influences, such as the Trump administration’s freeze on funding for Pacific aid and development programs, have negatively impacted progress in addressing women’s issues in Kiribati. “We’re constrained with our resources… this directly impacts the work being done by the ministries,” she explained.
Kwansing also underscored the necessity for ongoing discussions surrounding gender equality and social inclusion to be prioritized within the Pacific Islands Forum. She believes these dialogues need to extend to the highest levels to facilitate genuine change. In Kiribati, domestic violence remains alarmingly prevalent, with reports indicating that approximately 68-70% of women experience some form of violence, underscoring the critical need for sustained intervention.
Through her leadership and dedication to driving change, Ruth Cross Kwansing envisions a future where women’s voices are not only acknowledged but are seen as fundamental to societal advancement. With collaborative efforts from leaders within and outside Kiribati, there lies hope for an equitable future where women can flourish in every aspect of life.