The Fiji Women Crisis Centre presented a cheque of $21,000 to the Raka 7s organising committee in Suva yesterday.

The two days Raka tourney will be hosted at the ANZ Stadium on November 30- December 1.

FWCC co-ordinator Shamima Ali handed over the cheque to tournament director Ropate Kauvesi.

The long serving women’s rights organisation are now the major sponsor for the women’s category in the Raka tournament.

Ali is excited with the new deal with Raka.

“We are very proud to be associated with Raka 7s and giving us this opportunity, This is a new strategy being used globally to end violence against women and children and it’s using sports as a vehicle.

“We have been doing this for six years now we are trying to get into volleyball and rugby. We have has many requests from rugby teams, secondary schools, Fiji Rugby Union,” Ali said.

Ali also stressed on the importance of gender equality.

“This is not just about giving money as we are dependent on donor funding.  This is part of the budget that we have in promoting gender equality and violence against women and use sports as a vehicle.

“It is also promoting women and girls  participating in sports like rugby and also to promote a level playing field so when men and women play, they play from the base of equality,” she said.

Kauvesi acknowledges FWCC for their support.

“The Raka 7s committee sincerely thank FWCC for their generous support towards local rugby, FWCC fights for elimination of violence against women and providing equal opportunity,” Kauvesi said.

The winner for the women’s division will receive $10,000.

Edited by Osea Bola

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