The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre has called for the removal of Iosefo Masi from rugby duties.
FWCC says it is deeply disappointed with the Fiji Rugby Union for its ongoing lack of genuine commitment to addressing violence against women and girls.
Iosefo Masi appeared in the Nadi Magistrates Court on April 19 after he was charged with assaulting a 21-year-old woman on April 15. The case is on-going in court.
“The Fiji Rugby Union must be decisive if it truly believes in gender equality and preventing violence against women and girls,” said FWCC.
“We firmly believe that Iosefo Masi should be stood down from national duties until all legal proceedings against him are concluded.”
“FWCC recently re-established relations with Fiji Rugby after a long hiatus as our belief was that Fiji Rugby was on a new progressive path.”
FWCC adds it is disappointed with Fiji Rugby’s lack of action in this particular situation.
“Sports is one of the key sectors involved in the development of this plan.”
“The decisions taken by Fiji Rugby are counterproductive to the Fiji-NAP (National Action Plan for the Prevention of All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls) and sends a very dangerous message to Fijian women and girls who are aspiring to build a rugby career in Fiji, and also to players that its okay to perpetrate violence against women as long as you are a sports hero.”
“It is time Fiji Rugby acted decisively in such matters.”
