The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre is calling for gender sensitisation of all rugby players in Fiji, especially in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua programs.
This follows the recent incident of two Fijian Drua players, Iosefo Masi and Peni Matawalu being stood down and investigated respectively by the Drua for alleged domestic violence against their spouses.
The FWCC are recommending that this gender sensitisation be done by local experts like them and it must be extensively streamlined into Fiji Rugby and Fijian Drua personal development programs.
They say they have extensive working experience with Fiji Rugby and their partnership is currently on a new path with the new management.
They add there is an urgent need for gender sensitisation that includes educating players, coaches and administrators about gender equality, challenging stereotypes and preventing violence against women and girls.
The FWCC says the authorities and the community must hold rugby players accountable when they commit violence against women and girls.
They further say that we should not support perpetrators as we must end impunity.
Meanwhile, Fijian Drua General Manager of Rugby Baden Stephenson today says they care a lot about Masi and Matawalu as they have been great players and people for the Drua.
He says the club and the two players need all the support they can get from the fans as they are in a difficult situation at the moment.
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