We are working to break barriers and promote a safe sporting environment for women and girls in Fiji - Ali

The discrimination in terms of distribution of resources for sports, the need for equal treatment between boys and girls and the bullying and violence that women and girls go through is a barrier that we are trying to break.

This was highlighted by Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali while opening the Western Lewasewa Netball tournament at Penang Primary School.

Ali says in the last decade, they have always empowered women and girls to participate in all sports.

She says in all their diverse sports the government has identified 13 communities with which FWCC will be working to encourage women and girls to participate in any sport, whether it's rugby, netball or any sport to create an enabling environment.

She adds that FWCC is a place that looks after women, girls and children who are survivors of abuse and bullying and at the moment, they are working with the FRU to end all forms of violence against women and girls during sporting events.

Ali says the FWCC encourages child protection and safeguarding policies in all sports and they work with stakeholders like the UN Women and the government for an action plan on prevention against all forms of violence against women and girls.

The Lewasewa tournament is underway in Rakiraki, where Primary schools from Ra, Ba, Tavua, Lautoka, Nadroga, Navosa and Yasawa are currently participating.