Fishing has long been a central activity, not only for sustenance but also as a means of cultural expression and identity for the people of Kiribati. With the commercialisation of fisheries in the 1960s and subsequent aquaculture investments in the 1980s, fishing practices have evolved, influencing traditional methods and livelihoods. However, the scarcity of gender- or sex-disaggregated information on fisheries and aquaculture impedes a comprehensive understanding of the roles and contributions of both women and men in these vital sectors, hindering efforts towards inclusive and equitable resource management. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD) recognises that, by mainstreaming gender into the planning, implementation and development of fisheries and aquaculture and fostering broader inclusive policies, Kiribati is not only advancing gender equality but also enhancing the resilience and productivity of the sector.
A gender analysis of the coastal fisheries and aquaculture sector in the Republic of Kiribati was conducted by MFMRD in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) between 24 October 2023 and 29 January 2024. A desk review was first completed to synthesise all available gender-related information on fisheries and aquaculture. An institutional analysis and capacity assessment was conducted of MFMRD as the main fisheries agency responsible for the sustainable management and development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector by adapting SPC’s Stocktake of Gender Mainstreaming Capacity survey instrument. The institutional analysis covered five main areas: political will and commitment to gender mainstreaming in government; organisational culture that supports or does not support gender mainstreaming; accountability and responsibility mechanisms to support gender mainstreaming; technical capacity to mainstream gender; and availability of adequate resources to finance gender mainstreaming. Finally, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with selected fishers from 11 communities from three atolls in the Gilbert Islands (Tarawa, Maiana, Nonouti) and one in the Line Islands (Kiritimati)..