![[Photo: File/Fiji Rugby]](https://www.fijivillage.com/news_images/832194815648feafca871b3605fa61.jpg)
The NGO Coalition on Human Rights is today calling for accountable and transparent public inquiry into the issue of equity in gender and sports in Fiji, and more broadly into overall conditions for women in sports at all levels – from girls and youth-led community clubs and through to country representation.
This follows confirmation that the Fijiana 15s and Fijiana Drua have not been fully paid by the Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board.
Following questions raised by fijivillage News, Interim Chair of the board, Peter Mazey also confirmed that a meeting of the board is expected this week to resolve the issue.
Some of the players including Fijiana 15s captain, Sereima Leweniqila, Fijiana Drua captain, Bitila Tawake and player, Asinate Serevi have raised concerns about how the Fijiana teams have been treated.
The NGO Coalition on Human Rights says it is high time that an inquiry is conducted after media and social media reports of the poor treatment of our national women rugby players.
The NGO Coalition has thanked the trustees of the Fiji Rugby Union for stepping in to confirm statements made by the players and acknowledge the urgent need for FRU to improve.
The coalition says this patriarchal attitude, inequitable and unaccountable leadership of sports organisations, and poor structures do not reflect gender equity and human rights in sports.
It says while there are changes due to hard work of many stakeholders including players themselves, it is time to be clear on the remaining gaps and obstacles for women and girls in sports, as in other areas of life, and to have a clear plan of action for change.
The NGO Coalition also calls for support from the government and the Fijian society for women in sports, especially those in the rugby field and other male dominated sports.
It says they want to hold the government accountable to its commitment through the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls and the work on eliminating violence against women and girls.
The NGO Coalition adds the Fiji society and government need to acknowledge and build on the dedication, hard work, skills and achievements of the women's national sports teams nationally and globally, and treat them with fairness and respect.
