During 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 event featured friendly tag rugby matches between teams from schools across Suva, Naitasiri, Nasinu, Rewa, and Nausori, serving as a platform to promote respect and trust between genders through the values embodying the sport.
GIR Plus coordinator Oripa Lee explained that the festival aimed to cultivate a culture of respect by instilling the values of rugby, summarized by the acronym DRIPS—Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Passion, and Solidarity. Ms. Lee emphasized the importance of these values, stating that without them, environments can foster negative behaviors such as cheating and violence.
The GIR Plus program has been transformative not just for students but also for parents and spectators, creating a more positive atmosphere. The traditional notion of competition has shifted to a festival-like environment where talent is showcased alongside sportsmanship.
Selai Korovusere, the director for the Department of Women, supported the initiative, highlighting that sports, especially rugby, plays a vital role in advancing the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls. The Plan’s goal is to prevent violence before it occurs, and sports are seen as a crucial area for fostering respect in school settings.
Coaches and educators at the festival noted significant progress in fostering mutual respect between boys and girls. They have observed a positive transformation in the students’ behaviors and attitudes, with children feeling empowered to speak out against bullying and unfair treatment.
As the festival blossomed, it concurrently addressed practical challenges, like encouraging girls to wear appropriate sports attire during games, thus promoting their comfort and participation. Coaches shared their journeys of overcoming initial hesitance within the traditionally male-dominated sport to now witnessing greater respect and collaboration among students.
The GIR Plus Festival embodies a hopeful movement towards nurturing generations grounded in respect and equality, showcasing how sports can be harnessed as a powerful tool for social change.
This initiative not only aligns with the goals of the 16 Days of Activism but also serves as a promising model for future events aimed at driving forward the values of respect and non-violence in schools and communities.
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