In celebration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, primary school students gathered at Suva’s Bidesi Park for the inaugural Get Into Rugby (GIR) Plus Festival. This one-day event brought together boys’ and girls’ teams from schools across Suva, Naitasiri, Nasinu, Rewa, and Nausori to participate in friendly tag rugby matches.
The GIR Plus coordinator, Oripa Lee, explained the tournament’s connection to the 16 Days of Activism, emphasizing its goal to promote a culture of respect and trust between genders through rugby’s core values. These values, encapsulated by the acronym DRIPS—Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Passion, and Solidarity—serve as the foundation for the children’s training, which aims to instill both rugby skills and life skills.
Ms. Lee stressed the importance of nurturing positive moral values among students, warning that without values, negative behaviors such as cheating and violence could arise. The Lautoka Primary Schools Association has adopted a new mindset, referring to rugby meets as festivals rather than competitions, focusing on showcasing talent with good sportsmanship at the forefront.
The shift in attitude is evident, not only among the students but also among parents and spectators, moving away from the hostility that sometimes marked past events. This holistic development approach aims to cultivate respect both on and off the field, extending to interactions with the opposite gender.
Selai Korovusere, the director of the Department of Women, affirmed that sports like rugby play a vital role in advancing the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls. With Fiji boasting strong legal protections for women and girls, the government is eager to implement programs that foster healthy relationships and promote gender equality within the sports arena.
Coaches like Maca Kaloundonu and Neli Nabogi echoed similar sentiments, noting the positive changes they observe in their students, such as improved communication and respect. While challenges remain, particularly concerning training attire for girl players, the overall sentiment highlights the progress made towards creating a respectful and equitable environment.
This initiative offers hope for a future where sports can effectively teach and reinforce respect and understanding, ultimately contributing to the prevention of violence against women and girls.
In summary, the GIR Plus Festival has become an essential platform for promoting gender equality and fostering positive social values among young athletes, indicating a promising journey toward a more respectful and inclusive society.
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