An Equal Playing Field for Women and Men a Priority for Oceania 7s

 

Suva, Fiji — A record number of women players at this year’s Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship reflects a global movement to achieve more equal participation of women and men in rugby.

PNG Womens Team Ttraining. Photo: Courtesy of Oceania Rugby

“We’re getting impressive results from the investments by Oceania Rugby and World Rugby to grow women’s rugby in the region,” said Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias.

“This is reflected in the increased number of women’s teams participating in the Oceania Sevens, and in recent changes to our strategic planning and partnerships such as with UN Women as we work together towards equality on the field,” said Mr Sapias.

Fijiana Captain Ana Roqica, PNG Captain Joanna Lagona, Samoa Captain, Tahiti Captain. Photo: Courtesy of Oceania Rugby

To encourage more equal participation of women and girls in rugby, Oceania Rugby has started from the top to be the catalyst for change in the region. In 2016 the Membership approved the introduction of two new independent appointed board positions, both positions are currently filled by Pacific Island Women, Cathy Wong (Fiji) Women’s Director Oceania Rugby and Aloma Johannsson (Tonga) Independent Director Oceania Rugby both women are integral to making key decisions for regional rugby; an equal opportunity approach to recruitment to achieve gender equality within the workforce from referees to managers, and record participation in its Get into Rugby (GIR) program in Fiji.

NZ Womens Team Arrival. Photo: Courtesy of Oceania Rugby

Another first is having the women’s Championship Final as the finale game at the 2017 Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship, being held at the ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji, from 10-11 November.

“Children and families are also being encouraged to come enjoy rugby, too, with family-friendly ticket prices to watch the full competition,” Mr Sapias said.

Nicolas Burniat, UN Women’s Deputy Representative for the Fiji Multi-Country Office (MCO) that works across 14 Pacific Island countries, said the Oceania Sevens is a great example of the commitment by Oceania Rugby to change and to encourage more equal participation of women and girls in all aspects of the sport’s administration and competitions.

Cook Islands Womens Team Arrival. Photo: Courtesy of Oceania Rugby

“UN Women, as the global champion for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, is proud to work together with Oceania Rugby toward an equal playing field,” said Mr Burniat of UN Women, which recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Oceania Rugby to embed this commitment.

“By supporting more women and girls to play rugby and other sports at an equal level with men, we can encourage social change by demonstrating there is no limit to what women and girls can do,” he said.