Two major sporting events will be used in efforts in the prevention of violence against women and girls.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the Suva Volleyball Association will host a volleyball competition for women and conduct awareness raising around the event.

19 teams have registered for the tournament in what is looking to become an annual event.

FWCC coordinator, Shamima Ali says the centre has taken on the approach of taking the message to where the people are and the strategy of engaging with those involved in sport has proven effective in getting to newer audiences.

Ali says these are people who may not necessarily participate in their campaign activities so the opportunity to raise awareness with them is really important component of the Centre’s prevention strategies.

The FWCC also sees the engaging with sports association as an avenue to empower women and girls through sports.