23 Jun 2016

Sport: Samoa Rugby partners with UN to end violence against women

11:19 am on 23 June 2016

The Samoa Rugby Union is dedicating Saturday's Pacific Nations Cup match against Tonga to the campaign to end violence against women.

The SRU and World Rugby have joined with UN Women to show their support for the UNiTE campaign.

Manu Samoa head coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia said there is no place in sport or the community for violence against women.

"We have a responsibility as Samoans to be role models, rugby gives us a platform to influence and help as many people as we can."

Samoa players will wear orange arm bands during Saturday's match while 40 school children, all wearing orange, will provide the half-time entertainment.

Manu Samoa captain David Lemi shows his support for campaign to end violence  against women.

Manu Samoa captain David Lemi shows his support for campaign to end violence against women. Photo: Renee McKay/SRU

All police officers attending the match will also wear orange wrist bands supplied by UN

Women, in recognition of the Samoa Police Services continued dedication to ending violence against women.

The Country Programme Coordinator for UN Women in Samoa, Suisala Mele Maualaivao, said violence against women and girls stems from gender inequality where women are valued less than men.

"To eliminate it we need to see a shift in attitudes and behaviours towards women at every level of society, which involves all of us. It's encouraging to have such high profile and dedicated support from the Samoa Rugby Union and Manu Samoa players."

The Samoa Rugby Union previously partnered with UN Women during the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based Violence in 2015, establishing the annual rugby sevens tournament dedicated to ending violence against women.