Hon. Ruth Cross Kwansing is the Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs in Kiribati and the Pacific Islands Forum Political Champion for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion. A recipient of the Kiribati Order of Merit and a distinguished Obama Foundation Leader, she is a fierce advocate for integrating gender equity into climate action and sustainable development.
Before entering parliament, Ruth founded the Tungaru Climate Alliance and served as In-Country Director for Kindling Kiribati, leading impactful programs in women’s economic empowerment, water, sanitation, and climate adaptation. Now operating at the highest level of government, she champions the belief that “Pacific societies looking primarily to men for formal leadership responsibility are like birds trying to soar on one good wing”.
