Vuniwaqa Backs Women In Futsal

Footy Five won the women’s division and Club 13 won the men’s category in the 2019 Klean and Brite Cleaning Services Futsal Championship in Suva yesterday.
This is the first time for women to participate in futsal competition and Footy Five walked home with $1000 after defeating Nasinu Amazons 3-2 in the final.
Suva based Club 13 won the men’s division beating Tupuji Magik 3-2 to receive $5000.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa believes sport has enormous power to generate real social, economic and environmental change and contribute to sustainable development, social cohesion and even to challenge mind sets and prejudices.
Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation funded the hire of facilities and events promotional banners.
Break down barriers: Vuniwaqa
Speaking to participants at the Championship in Suva on Saturday Vuniwaqa spoke on the contribution of sports to gender equality.
“Sport has huge potential to empower women and girls. In many countries, it has been recognized that sport can be a force to amplify women’s voices and tear down gender barriers and discrimination.
“Women in sports defy the misperception that they are weak or incapable.
“There is good evidence that participation in sports can help break down gender stereotypes, improve girls’ and women’s self-esteem and contribute to the development of leadership skills. But sadly, women and girls continue to face discrimination and inequalities in professional sports, media coverage and sponsorships,” Vuniwaqa said.
“When Fiji men play in the World Sevens Series, the whole nation sits down to watch and cheer. Unfortunately, it had not been that easy for women; but thankfully, the status is slowly but surely changing, though it requires the support of the male counterparts, of their families and friends and of investors who must accept that investing in women’s sporting events is not a waste of money and time.”
Edited by Osea Bola
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