‘She can do it’: Kiribati Olympic judo hopeful wants to combat domestic violence

Kinaua Biribo says she wants to empower women in the Pacific island nation, where almost 60% of men have perpetrated intimate partner violence

Kinaua Biribo is unlikely to win an Olympic medal. When the elimination rounds of her judo category begin later this month, the 27-year-old will be a firm underdog; she has been knocked out in the first round of both of her international competition appearances to date.

But Kinaua, whom the Guardian is referring to by her first name as is culturally appropriate, has ambitions far grander than any Olympic medal. She wants to inspire the women of her Pacific homeland and combat the scourge of domestic violence.