Tonga Women’s Rugby today received a donation of 50 t-shirts with slogans to end violence against women and girls from Talitha Project, through funding from the United Nations Women.

Hon Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano, Patron of the Tonga Women's Rugby Association who received the gift from Talitha founder Vanessa Heleta, said they were most grateful for the encouragement and support. "We the committee for Women in Rugby are proud to support this global cause of women against violence while demonstrating the sport of rugby."

Fehoko Tu’ivai, Rugby Women Sevens coach, said the t-shirts will help the Tonga Rugby Sevens team in their training for the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games on July 19-23, in the Bahamas.

The team is expected to be selected in June.

"We have received support from the UN Women through Commonwealth and this is the start of an important partnership with them and Talitha project," she said.

Empowerment

Vanessa said they are glad to work with Women in Rugby because their aim is to empower young women in all areas of life to reach their full potential.

"We will support any areas that any young woman or girl want to participate in in order to foster their talent."

She thanked the assistance from UN Women to buy the t-shirts, which they designed for the women’s team to wear in their training and events thus promoting the message.

"We want to promote gender equality because this game is for everybody.”