The traditional culture, in which males are dominant, has been an impediment to women taking a more active role in the economy. This is slowly changing, and more women are finding work in unskilled and semiskilled occupations. There are also signs of affirmative action in government hiring and promotions to redress this culturally based inequity. Recent examples of affirmative action with regard to the advancement of women include the appointment of Makurita Baaro as the nation's first female Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, the selection of recent participants from Kiribati in overseas training programs to the United States, Japan, and other countries reflects a firm commitment to the advancement of women.
Women have full and equal access to education.
Statistics on the participation of women in the work force and comparative wages are unavailable. Women have full rights of ownership and inheritance of property. Violence against women does not appear to be a major problem in this isolated, rural society. Rape is a crime under the law, and the law is enforced when charges are brought to court. If child abuse exists, it is rare and has not become a source of societal concern.