In celebration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, primary school students gathered at Bidesi Park in Suva for the inaugural Get Into Rugby (GIR) Plus Festival. This unique, one-day event featured friendly tag rugby matches between boys’ and girls’ teams from schools in Suva, Naitasiri, Nasinu, Rewa, and Nausori.
The tournament was designed to promote a culture of respect and trust between genders, aligned with the principles of rugby, according to GIR Plus coordinator Oripa Lee. The central values—discipline, respect, integrity, passion, and solidarity, summarized as DRIPS—were emphasized as core elements that the children were conditioned to adopt both on the field and in their daily lives.
Ms. Lee underlined the importance of instilling good moral values in children, stating that a lack of values could lead to unacceptable behavior like cheating and violence. Following a mindset shift, the Lautoka Primary Schools Association has opted to refer to rugby meets as “festivals” rather than competitions, focusing instead on showcasing talents while maintaining good sportsmanship.
This refreshing approach has transformed the atmosphere of sporting events, leading to a significant decrease in instances of conflict among players, referees, parents, and spectators. Ms. Lee emphasized the program’s goal is to foster holistic development through the values of rugby, promoting respect and dignity both on and off the field, particularly in interactions between genders.
The director of the Department of Women, Selai Korovusere, acknowledged that sports like rugby serve as crucial tools in advancing the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (NAP). Fiji has established strong legislation to protect women and girls, and the NAP aims to address violence before it escalates. Sports is one of the key areas identified for promoting healthy, respectful relationships.
Coaches and teachers also noted the program’s success in changing perceptions and fostering an inclusive environment. Several educators, like Maca Kaloundonu and Neli Nabogi, reported that the values instilled through the program are promoting respect among students and breaking down previous barriers of gender inequality in sports.
While some challenges remain, such as appropriate training attire for girls, participants highlighted the overwhelming positive change in attitudes towards gender respect. The festival not only showcased the talents of the young players but also represented a step toward building a more equitable society.
This event symbolizes hope and progress, demonstrating how sports can serve as a platform for social change, particularly in nurturing respect, inclusion, and a commitment to ending gender-based violence. By engaging young minds through rugby, the program reinforces lifelong values that extend far beyond the playing field.
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