Integrating gender equality into Tongatapu Rugby Union was a key focus at a retreat held on Fafa Island from 9 to 11 April under the theme ‘Growing Yourself, To Growing Others, To Growing Rugby Union’.

The retreat was facilitated by Talitha Project, a non-governmental organization that empowers young women and girls, and was attended by representatives from the Tongatapu Rugby Sub-Union, Representatives for Tonga Women’s Rugby Union and Tonga Rugby Referee Association.

President for the Tongatapu Rugby Union Manu Mataele said the retreat was a time for its members to stop, reflect, assess what is working, look at what they need to strengthen, and move forward.

“It was an opportunity to look at the current structures and integrating gender equality as core to what Rugby Union stands for.”

The retreat also focussed on leadership, strengthening communications internally and externally, working smarter to build its members, and sourcing a more sustainable means of funding to support activities.

Manu said leadership excellence is working together in unison leaving no one behind in planning, processes and procedures.

“We are more efficient when we work together positively as one whole rather than in separate entities, if we do all this, we are going to make a big difference.”

Talitha Project Director Vanessa Heleta added that the retreat emphasized the importance of taking an inclusive approach to weaving gender equality to Rugby Union as they work closely with the Women’s Rugby Union.

“We plan to continue capacity building with member involvement along with other key stakeholders”.

The retreat was also in support of the ‘Front Row Against Violence’ project led by Talitha Project under the Pacific Partnership, primarily funded by the European Union with targeted support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand and UN Women.