Breaking the cycle: how educational inequality and gender norms fuel intimate-partner violence in Kiribati

Intimate partner violence (IPV) in Kiribati affects nearly 68% of women, almost twice the global average. Despite higher educational attainment among women, IPV remains pervasive, highlighting the influence of patriarchal norms and economic dependence. This study examines how education, gender norms, and structural conditions intertwine to shape IPV risk.

A mixed-methods design was employed, combining a survey of 500 participants with 30 in-depth interviews, and 20 participants in 4 focus group discussions. Quantitative analysis included Principal Factor Analysis, Structural Equation Modeling, and regression; qualitative data were thematically analyzed.

IPV rates declined from 65.4% among women with no formal education to 45.8% among those with tertiary education (n = 148), yet violence remained prevalent. Patriarchal norms (β = 0.68, p < 0.001) and economic dependence (β = 0.72, p < 0.001) had strong direct effects on IPV. Additionally, patriarchal norms indirectly influenced educational inequality via IPV (β = 0.42, p < 0.05). Male education reduced IPV (β = - 0.75, p = 0.0002), particularly under economic strain (interaction β = 0.30, p = 0.048). Participants rated the effectiveness of national gender-neutral education policies poorly, with average implementation and integration scores ranging from 2.1 to 2.3 out of 5. Barriers, such as economic hardship (mean = 4.7) and stigma (r = - 0.71, p < 0.001), correlated with IPV. Qualitative accounts echoed these findings, with one participant noting, "Education doesn't change the way some men think."

These findings demonstrate that in Kiribati, education alone cannot protect against IPV without addressing three reinforcing mechanisms: entrenched patriarchal norms, women's economic dependence, and male educational disadvantage. Policy responses in this context must move beyond gender-neutral approaches to implement targeted, gender-responsive reforms that promote equitable norms, economic support systems, and inclusive education pathways for both women and men.