Four teams are confirmed for their participation in the Digicel Women’s Senior League’s Taveuni Zone.

The launch of the competition was done last Saturday at Bocalevu Secondary School ground in Taveuni with all the participating clubs present and receiving the equipment needed which includes jerseys, boots, shin pads, bibs, cones, coaches watch, coaches whistle, corner flags, nets, first aid kit, and balls.

Fiji Football Association vice-president and women’s football director, Nazia Ali-Krishna says, the launch of the women’s league in Taveuni is a promising start for the growth of women’s football not only on the island but for the rest of Fiji.

“Football is one of the most popular sports in Fiji already, but women’s participation in football still needs to advance significantly. Football is currently not accessible to every female creating a huge divide between men and women,” said Ali-Krishna.

“We are all familiar with how the woman’s role is often limited to the home and she is unlikely to be an influential member of society or even her own family. This frequently results in girls and women lacking access to sports, which prevents them from reaping the health benefits and other advantages of participating in team sports like football where they can also learn valuable life lessons like teamwork, self-confidence, fair play, leadership and rest for themselves and others.”

She said Fiji FA aims to narrow that gap by introducing community football through local leagues such as the Taveuni League, which sees women footballers participate formally for the first time.

“Historically, women and girls have been denied opportunities for growth and development, especially in rural and remote areas but through football, we can challenge these biases and change how women are perceived in society and in their communities,” he said.

“Fiji FA along with FIFA have a goal to modernise football in Fiji and create a level playing field for more women,” said Ali-Krishna

“Introducing football to women and girls in rural and maritime zones have been part of Fiji FA’s strategic plan. We are happy to see the enthusiasm of the footballers and the local community alike when the league started.

“It is very rewarding to see participation growing through the start of the Taveuni League but there’s still a lot of work to be done. Fiji FA is determined to keep expanding its reach and to open new doors for many more young girls in rural and maritime areas through football. It is committed to making football the number one sport for girls in Fiji and hopes to introduce more local leagues to the outer islands and remote areas in Fiji.”

Ali-Krishna said Fiji FA would continue to work with grassroots coaches and teachers around Fiji to help young people, including the most vulnerable in society, build better lives through the power of football.

“Fiji FA has a target of at least 50 per cent female participation at all levels and encourages the inclusion of women and girls in all activities in the following five years, with a focus on using football to empower women and girls.”

The League will kick-off next month with two rounds of competition. The clubs are South Taveuni Women’s FC, Holy Cross Women’s FC, Niusawa Women’s FC and Bocalevu Women’s FC.

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