Front Row Against Violence, a new program which targets youth and sports to ensure girls are empowered and have equal access to opportunities, was launched on September 5 in Nuku’alofa.

The program also aiming to ensure girls live free from all forms of violence, will run for three years led by Talitha Project in partnership with UN Women.

New youth and sports approaches, include youth-led activism where young girls and boys will become activists to promote healthy, respectful and safe relationships in their schools and community.

A primary focus is youth activism initiatives for girls and boys aged 14-18 years; and  sport, especially rugby for young women aged 18-30 years. 

The program will also support young women and girls to have safe and equitable access to rugby in non-government schools and clubs and to increase their leadership roles in sports decision-making bodies.

Equal opportunities

The Minister for Health Hon. Dr Saia Piukala in opening the event said this an important initiative to empower young women to have equal opportunities as men.

He commended Talitha, UN Women and local stakeholders for supporting an important initiative. “There will be programs under this project to achieve the aim of empowerment and equip our young women to withstand challenges,” he said.

Talitha Project Director, Vanessa Heleta said it was evident that adolescents and young girls, in particular, are very vulnerable to all forms of violence.

“That is why Talitha’s new program, in partnership with UN Women and with the support of the Pacific Partnership to End Violence Against Women and Girls, is targeting youth and using sports to encourage a positive shift in attitudes and behaviours,” she said.

This program has technical and funding support from UN Women Fiji MCO, through the Pacific Partnership. 

Talitha Project and UN Women have previously worked together under a Pacific Fund for Talitha Project’s ‘My Body My Rights’ program, which supported girls to have increased awareness, rights and control over their bodies and their lives, and to become leaders in their families and communities.

The launch event was attended by members of the Tonga National Women's 7s, youths, rugby referees, parents and others at Tanoa Hotel.