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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