Outcome KIR_O_1

Advancing business transformation

The Pacific Partnership to End VAWG programme in Kiribati demonstrated strategic business transformation through systematic strengthening of national response mechanisms and service delivery infrastructure, fundamentally changing how gender-based violence services are delivered across Kiribati's dispersed geography through standardized protocols and institutionalized coordination mechanisms. Ten partner organizations, including government ministries and civil society organizations, demonstrated enhanced operational capabilities through standardized protocols and coordination systems. The SafeNet network emerged as a cornerstone, integrating service providers across sectors and establishing clear pathways for coordination and data sharing. This transformation extended to the justice sector, where specialized training for fifteen magistrates from remote islands created sustainable local capacity for gender-responsive judicial services. Twenty-five justice sector representatives collaboratively developed frameworks for strengthened GBV response, establishing standardized protocols that transformed case management across the justice system, while the certification of four counselors under new national standards created Kiribati's first pool of formally accredited GBV specialists who now train and mentor others. Building on this momentum, the new Health Sector Standard Operating Procedures established clear protocols for GBV-health frontliners, further strengthening the multi-sectoral response. The program revolutionized service delivery through systematic integration of justice, health, police, and social services under standardized data collection and management protocols. This included the GBV Administrative Data systems, which institutionalized WHO and Gender-Based Violence Information Management System standards. The October 2024 knowledge exchange at the Sexual Violence Research Initiative Forum in South Africa further catalyzed this institutional transformation, with Kiribati representatives bringing back and implementing innovative service delivery approaches that have been integrated into standard operating procedures across crisis centres, health facilities, and justice services. Drawing on these international insights, the program developed culturally grounded service delivery models that successfully adapted international standards to Pacific contexts while expanding geographic accessibility through systematic outreach to remote islands and institutionalization of inclusive service delivery mechanisms. Recognizing the interconnected nature of gender-based violence and environmental challenges, the comprehensive revision of the Elimination of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Policy reshaped frameworks by integrating climate resilience considerations with gender equality initiatives. This adaptive policy approach specifically addresses Kiribati's existential climate crisis, responding to the interconnected challenges of rising sea levels, environmental degradation, and their gendered impacts on communities. The sustainability of these transformations relied on robust coordination among executing partners, with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs establishing clear frameworks for collaboration with the Kiribati Police Service, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, crisis centers, and other key institutions. Technical support from UN Women, complemented by assistance from development partners, ensured alignment with international standards while institutionalizing locally appropriate responses.

Advancing business transformation

This output is on track. A significant change underway involves the restructuring of management arrangements within UN Women programs in Kiribati. Previously, program leads were based in Suva, Fiji, overseeing programs at the country level. However, there has been a transition towards granting more responsibilities to Country Program Coordinators within Kiribati non-resident agency (NRA). This shift ensures that leadership and management of the Ending Violence against Women and the Women’s Resilience to Disasters programmes are now entrusted to individuals at the country level in Kiribati, fostering greater ownership and leadership within the local context. Early results of this restructuring are already becoming apparent. With the introduction of Matrix Management (MM) arrangements, NRA-based Country Program Coordinators are not only leading and managing programs but also providing inputs, comments, and feedback to Fiji MCO Program Managers. This feedback loop plays a crucial role in assessing the performance of staff and consultants working in-country. By prioritizing country perspectives and guidance, this approach ensures that programs are more responsive to the unique challenges and opportunities present in Kiribati. This marks a departure from the previous structure, where program leads based outside the country had a more centralized role in program leadership and management. Overall, the early results suggest that this shift towards local ownership and leadership is facilitating more effective program implementation and enhancing the relevance and impact of UN Women's initiatives in Kiribati.