‘Opportune time to renew open partnership’

FIJI Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali says the appointment of Tevita Tuiloa as interim CEO of Fiji Rugby is “an opportunity to renew an open and honest partnership with the Fiji Rugby Union.”

“We believe today is an opportunity for Mr Tuiloa to open and close doors,” she said.

“He can open the door to a new era for Fiji Rugby where they provide equal opportunities for women in sports, promote gender equality, help eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls and also not allow convicted rapists who are still serving their sentence to play in Fiji Rugbysanctioned local 7s tournaments.

“We hope Mr Tuiloa will do better than his predecessor and not ignore the lived realities of women and girls in this country.”

Ali made the comment in the wake of the sudden resignation of FRU CEO John O’Connor yesterday which was confirmed by FRU chairman Humphrey Tawake.

Ali had attacked O’Connor several times over the past two years for allowing convicted rapists Amenoni Nasilasila and Nacanieli Labalaba to play in FRU-sanctioned tournaments for the Wardens side while still serving their sentences.

She said last month, the FWCC partnered with McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens “as they have set the standard for team participation agreements as far as local rugby tournaments are concerned.”

“This means the tournament will not permit any player currently serving a custodial sentence to be eligible for participation in the tournament.” Ali said.

“We are also supporting an innovative campaign developed by organisers – the ‘Giving Violence against Women the Red Card’ during the tournament and this will include the provision of information and services to those who attend over the course of the tournament and beyond.

“This is an example of what open, meaningful and honest partnerships can do.

“We hope there will be a change from today.”