FWRM Denounces Prejudiced Remarks by New Rugby Director<\/p>\n
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The Fiji Women\u2019s Rights Movement (FWRM) is outraged by recent statements made by newly appointed Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) Director, Laijipa Naulivou, who outrightly dismissed the inclusion of PIDSOGISEC (Pacific Islanders of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions, and sex characteristics) in women\u2019s rugby. Such comments are not only biased and discriminatory but also contradict the core principles of respect, equality, and inclusion that sports should embody.<\/p>\n
Notably, Section 26(3)(a) of the Constitution explicitly states that no individual should face unfair discrimination based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Director Naulivou must be educated on this, especially given the challenges that women in rugby already endure. These regressive and damaging comments were entirely unexpected from her.<\/p>\n
“Sexual orientation should never hinder participation, leadership, or success in any sport\u2014including rugby. The idea that being gay is a ‘problem’ in women\u2019s rugby is deeply concerning, as it reinforces damaging stereotypes that have no place in modern sports or society,” said FWRM Executive Director Nalini Singh.<\/p>\n
These remarks fail to uphold the values of sportsmanship and contradict Fiji\u2019s commitments to human rights, gender equality, and non-discrimination. They are harmful and directly violate the principles of equality enshrined in the Fiji Constitution.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead of fixating on the players\u2019 sexuality, focus on securing adequate funding and improving the welfare of women rugby players so they no longer have to sleep on airport benches or walk miles to training,\u201d Ms. Singh stated.<\/p>\n
FWRM urges the FRU to take a clear stand against such exclusionary rhetoric by enforcing policies that protect women, fostering a culture of respect, and ensuring leadership roles are occupied by individuals who promote inclusivity. Remaining silent equates to complicity, and leadership should embody inclusion rather than exclusion.<\/p>\n
We stand in solidarity with all women in sports, including members of the PIDSOGISEC community. No one should have to choose between their identity and their love for the game.<\/p>\n
Rugby and all sports should be inclusive spaces for everyone. FWRM remains dedicated to championing a more equitable and inclusive society\u2014both on and off the field.<\/p>\n
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FWRM Denounces Prejudiced Remarks by New Rugby Director The Fiji Women\u2019s Rights Movement (FWRM) is outraged by recent statements made by newly appointed Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) Director, Laijipa Naulivou, who outrightly dismissed the inclusion of PIDSOGISEC (Pacific Islanders of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions, and sex characteristics) in women\u2019s rugby. Such […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23778,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[489],"tags":[2629],"class_list":["post-23774","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fiji-rugby","tag-laijipa-naulivou"],"yoast_head":"\n