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More than just rugby: Women’s game driving empowerment in Fiji

From FBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Women's rugby in Fiji is evolving beyond a sport into a vital tool for empowerment and financial opportunity.
  • The Nasinu Women's Rugby manager highlights the sport's growing appeal and the success of the national Fijiana team as indicators of positive development.
  • A rapidly expanding club competition, supported by Australian funding, aims to further grow women's rugby nationwide, creating platforms for young women to dream bigger.

Women's rugby in Fiji is transforming lives, offering young women not just a sport but a pathway to empowerment and financial independence. Nasinu Women's Rugby manager Esther Karanavatu sees the game as a crucial tool for income generation and personal growth.

Women’s rugby is an empowerment and an income generation tool for most of our young women.

— Esther KaranavatuNasinu Women's Rugby manager describing the impact of the sport.

Karanavatu points to the success of the Fijiana national team as evidence of the sport's positive trajectory. "The Fijiana team is doing very well right now in the 15s code," she stated, emphasizing that continued support can help them thrive. Organizers are focused on providing resources for tournaments and club competitions to foster this growth.

So women too can play. In fact, the Fijiana team is doing very well right now in the 15s code and if we keep supporting them, that’s all they need.

— Esther KaranavatuHighlighting the success of the national women's rugby team.

The Central Women's Club Game, initially conceived to help provincial unions meet compliance requirements, has seen explosive growth. Starting with just four teams, it expanded to 16 by its finals, drawing participants from across the Central Division. This surge in interest, despite financial challenges, demonstrates the untapped potential in women's rugby.

We might have financial issues along the way, but that doesn’t deter us. We just keep pushing because the game is growing globally for women and Fiji needs to catch up in terms of grassroots development.

— Esther KaranavatuAddressing financial challenges and the need for grassroots development.

"We might have financial issues along the way, but that doesn’t deter us. We just keep pushing because the game is growing globally for women and Fiji needs to catch up in terms of grassroots development," Karanavatu explained. Plans are underway to expand the competition to other divisions, with organizers hoping for increased support from partners like Australia to make the initiative even larger next year. Ultimately, the effort is about creating opportunities and enabling young women across Fiji to aspire to more.

We’re really grateful to Australia for funding this initiative and we’re hoping next year it becomes even bigger.

— Esther KaranavatuExpressing gratitude for Australian funding and future hopes.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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