Women’s rugby creating safe spaces for women: Takitaki

For Asenaca Takitaki, manager of the Navuakece Women's team, women's rugby in Fiji offers far more than just athletic competition. As the Central Women's Club competition concluded, Takitaki emphasized that the sport has cultivated a secure and nurturing space where young women can foster connections, develop personally, and uplift one another.

Many players hail from villages in Naitasiri, while others commute from Suva and Korovou to participate. Takitaki stated that the most significant triumph of rugby, irrespective of on-field outcomes, is the positive atmosphere it cultivates for women and girls. "I see that this is one space where women feel safe, where they come together and we talk about our issues and we solve our issues within our team. And I see that this is a space where girls are safe with our supportive officials," she said.

Rugby continues to empower young women by instilling confidence, a sense of community, and a robust support network, all built through the camaraderie and shared experiences forged within the sport. The Navuakece team recently competed in the Tier 2 final against Striders at the Veiuto Grounds. Teams are set to reconvene on the 6th of next month for the upcoming franchise competition.

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I see that this is one space where women feel safe, where they come together and we talk about our issues and we solve our issues within our team. And I see that this is a space where girls are safe with our supportive officials.