Targeted assistance for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, unemployed, and persons with disabilities, has resulted in a remarkable reduction of up to 70% in poverty levels in Kiribati. This significant achievement was highlighted by Ruth Cross Kwansing, the Minister for Women, Youth, and Social Welfare, during the annual global report card meeting focusing on women’s issues worldwide.
Currently attending the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, Minister Kwansing is marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, a key agreement advocating for global gender equality. She underscored how the Beijing Declaration has been a turning point for the advancement of gender equality and shared her political journey as a testimony to progress in Kiribati.
To effectively combat poverty, the Kiribati government has made gender equality a priority through various reforms in social protection and education. Programs like SafeNet, specifically designed to support survivors of violence, demonstrate the holistic strategies being employed in this regard. In her address, Kwansing noted, “Our determination is clear in the government manifesto,” calling attention to emerging challenges such as technology-facilitated violence while emphasizing the need for economic empowerment and legal protections for women and girls.
The issue of climate change remains critical for Kiribati, with Minister Kwansing characterizing the associated challenges as “insurmountable.” The government’s strategy focuses on placing women at the forefront of disaster management and climate adaptation efforts, ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into essential national policies, including the Kiribati Joint Implementation Plan for Climate Change.
With the support of organizations like UN Women, there is growing acknowledgment of the pivotal role women play in building community resilience against climate-related challenges. Nevertheless, Kwansing pointed out that obstacles such as gender-based violence and economic disparities persist, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts in education and partnerships with NGOs to foster inclusivity.
Reflecting on her experience at the CSW, Minister Kwansing expressed appreciation for participating in the global discussion, celebrating the progress made in Kiribati while valuing the lessons learned from other nations. The CSW69 session will culminate in an action plan aimed at advancing a political declaration adopted earlier in the week.
This narrative resonates with a wider commitment among Pacific nations to tackle gender inequality, echoing discussions in neighboring countries such as Fiji and the Marshall Islands. Collaborative efforts illuminate a shared journey toward gender equity, fueled by optimism and initiatives that recognize the essential contributions of women to societal progress and resilience against pressing challenges like climate change.
Looking ahead, there is a bright outlook as nations unite efforts to promote gender equality, sparking hope for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
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