ISO: KIR
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The electronic version of this document has been prepared at the Fourth
World Conference on Women by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
in collaboration with the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women
Secretariat.
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AS WRITTEN


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                       Excerpt from Press Release.
  The written statement was not available in a scannable language at the
                time of presentation in the conference.
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   TIMBO KEARKIKI, Minister for Environment and Social Development of
Kirbati:  Ten years after the Nairobi Conference, the international
community is still grappling with the same issues.  Are these problems so
difficult to overcome or is there simply a lack of the commitment to
overcome the obstructions to women in economic, political and social
activities?  The interests and policies of the more developed nations have
never been sympathetic to the unique situation of the Pacific nations, as
evidenced by the French nuclear testing.  Kiribati strongly rejects the
tests. 

   Because of its lack of resources, the main solution to the unique
problem of Kiribati lies within its 80,000 people, half of whom are women. 
 In the past, women were considered to be an integral part of the
community with their own roles to perform.  Changing times have
necessitated that the areas of concern for women be addressed separately. 
The Government has developed a series of activities and programmes for
women which are supported by many women in the country.  More men are in
decision-making positions because traditionally, in these fields, women
were not educated.  Now, however, there are more women in the high schools
than men and there are now a number of young women holding key positions
in the public sector.  Change, however, must be monitored so that it is
compatible with culture.  Progress is only possible if there is
cooperation between the Government and the people.  The Government has
pledged to address health problems and needs of women.  Efforts are being
made to train the traditional birth attendants to lower the high infant
and maternal mortality rate.  Review of legislation and public awareness
programmes are planned in the effort to eradicate domestic violence.