'Te Katiteuanaaki' Kiribati for Inclusion

Women in trades and technology Since 2011, the Kiribati Facility has seen overall enrolments of female students increase to 50% at Kiribati Institute of Technology. The percentage of female trainers and technicians delivering non-traditional trade courses, such as plumbing, carpentry, and construction, has increased to 27%. Through the Kiribati Facility at Kiribati Institute of Technology, many barriers to completing education have been addressed, such as challenging gender stereotypes to support young people to gain skills and qualifications in areas of their choice, by promoting gender equality. Gender equality in education represents the opportunities that enable both women and men to complete their training, and make choices about their future skills and employment. Tetarae Inatio is a plumbing trainer at Kiribati Institute of Technology and one of the first female plumbers in Kiribati. As a child, she was inspired by her father’s work as an architect and builder. “ He [my father] taught me that all kinds of jobs are suitable for men and women. I still believe that’s why I am here teaching and working in trade, ” said Tetarae. Tetarae has seen participation of female students in trade courses grow during her time teaching in Tarawa. She herself was one of those students, studying Certificate II in Drainage and Metal Roofing and Cladding, and the Water Skill Set, which is part of the Certificate III in Plumbing. Tetarae then furthered her qualifications in Plumbing through the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, before returning to Kiribati Institute of Technology as a trainer. Tetarae faced challenges that could have prevented her progress with her study, but with the support of her classmates at Kiribati Institute of Technology she managed to complete her qualifications. She has used this experience to become a role model to other I-Kiribati women to encourage an awareness and confidence in those who are interested in this type of work, that “we can do it.” “What inspires me the most is when I am installing new fixtures in my own house, like a water pump, kitchen sink taps and so on, installing or working with new stuff feels like a new day for me.” Tetarae shares her vision for gender equality for women working in different trades in Kiribati: “In the future I would really like to see women be leaders in trade, as head of departments, supervisors, and advisers.” “In the future I would really like to see women be leaders in trade, as head of departments, supervisors and advisers.” Tetarae Inatio, Plumbing trainer at Kiribati Institute of Technology. 6