Sports are an effective tool to challenge the pre-conceived notion about the roles and abilities of girls and boys, women and men.
These were the words of the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar as she congratulates the Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15s after their first win against South Africa last weekend and as the national side prepares to face France this evening.
“Congratulations to the Fijiana 15s team for their recent outstanding performance in the Women’s Rugby World Cup,” she said.
“Our hardworking Fijiana 15s have defeated 11th ranked South Africa 21-17 to get their first historic win at the women’s Rugby World Cup. We are so proud of our young, energetic and strong women.”
She said this was the recognition of the Fijiana 15s team’s achievements in stamping their mark in a male-dominated sport.
The win, as she also wished the team well today, would empower young women and girls to encourage female participation in sports.
She said sports could be an effective tool to challenge the preconceived notion about the roles and abilities of girls and boys, women and men.
“Fiji’s first Rugby World Cup win was an incredible game of rugby and will be a fundamental part of shaping Fiji’s future towards the goal of gender equality for millions of young women and girls, for generation to come.
“It has been recognised that sports can be a force to amplify women’s voices and tear down gender barriers and discrimination. Participation in sports can help break-down gender stereotypes, improve girls and women’s self-esteem and contribute to the development of leadership skills.”
She acknowledge the work done by the Fijiana 15s team for being role models for young women and girls who aspire to excel on the rugby field.
“The Fijian Government is committed in promoting girls’ and women’s involvement in sports and it is an important tool in gender equality and women’s empowerment and, more broadly, in development and social change. The Fijian Government’s support and commitment to gender equality programs and initiatives, and ensuring that no one is left behind lies at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Fiji’s 5 year and 20 year National Development Plan, which assert gender equality as fundamental human rights and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.”
The Fijiana team plays France this weekend.
