Kiribati Minister makes history as first Pacific Islander elected to UN gender body

Kiribati's Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs, Ruth Maryanne Cross Kwansing, has become the first Pacific Islander elected to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, marking a historic milestone for the region.

Ms Kwansing, who also serves as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Political Champion for Gender and Social Inclusion, was elected to the global body in April for the 2026-2030 term and said the achievement felt like a miracle.

"From Kiribati, we were so excited and extremely humbled by what we think is a real miracle in how it happened," Ms Kwansing said.

The UN Commission on the Status of Women is the principal global body dedicated to promoting women's rights and gender equality. It sets international standards and frameworks for gender-related work around the world.

Ms Kwansing said Kiribati's seat on the commission meant Pacific voices would be heard at the highest level of global gender policymaking at a particularly critical time.

"The focus going into 2027 is gender and climate change, so I think it's a really pivotal time for the Pacific to be well represented on that committee," she said.

Her priorities include economic empowerment for Pacific women and strengthening social protection systems, such as welfare payments and maternal benefits, to shield vulnerable communities from climate and economic shocks.

"When a woman is economically empowered, she can rise above any challenges she faces, whether climate-related, business-related, leadership or education," Ms Kwansing said.

PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa congratulated her during the opening of the fifth PIF Women Leaders Meeting in Suva yesterday, describing the election as a major achievement for the region.

"This is a big milestone for all of us and for our Blue Pacific region," Mr Waqa said.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj