A new era in Ba is emerging as women, particularly those in the Yakete Women’s Rugby Team, harness the power of rugby to instigate positive societal change. Recently, this dynamic team was formally introduced to the Play for Equity Fund, supported by the Ba Rugby Union and local community leaders.
The soft launch at Vinod Patel Park signifies the starting point of a series of programs focused on inclusivity and the empowerment of women and girls through sport. The Yakete Women’s Rugby Team, located in the hills of Ba Province, aims to challenge social conventions and carve out spaces for women to flourish.
Karalaini Rokocoko, the team coordinator, emphasized, “Rugby is more than just a game for us; it’s a platform for empowering women, building confidence, and driving progress in our villages.” The collaboration with the Play for Equity Fund will enable Yakete to host community sports activities and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) training in the coming months.
Rokocoko noted that the Ba Rugby Union’s support has deeply influenced rural communities, highlighting their ongoing commitment to advancing women’s rugby across Ba Province. “Through BRU’s leadership, more women and girls are being introduced to the sport, breaking down barriers,” she stated.
This initiative resonates with a broader movement within the region, where various women’s rugby teams are focusing on empowerment and community development. For instance, last month, the Ba Women’s Rugby team had five players selected for Fiji Rugby Union’s High-Performance Unit, showcasing the growing recognition of female athletes and the potential for sports to uplift communities.
The vision shared by these teams extends beyond rugby into sustainable practices, with initiatives like community farming projects aimed at financial independence and resilience.
The Yakete Women’s Rugby Team stands as a beacon of hope, not just for women in Fiji but across the Pacific. Their model of integrating community sport with socio-economic upliftment exemplifies the impactful role that rugby can play in fostering gender equity and community cohesion. The future looks promising, as these women continue to challenge norms and inspire others to embrace opportunities in sports.
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