Young women involved in sports from Samoa gathered in Apia learning and sharing how to make on and off the field decisions to stay safe, promote gender equality and equity and increase female participation in sports.

A Women's Rugby forum hosted by the Lakapi Samoa in partnership with the Ministry of Women catered to sports women and girls interested in growing female participation in sports. 

The forum was also used to deliver lessons and trainings on Gender based violence as part of the 16 days of activism, and leadership in coaching for the young girls to learn from the more mature and experienced female pioneers in the industry.

The National Coordinator for the Get Into Rugby (GIR) Plus program, Seleagaia Alapati hoped that yesterday's session would educate the girls on how to make better decisions for themselves on and off the field.

"We want to create a safe space for the girls where they can play and promote not just gender equality but also gender equity," she said "This forum is for creating the opportunities for them to feel confident and to know that Lakapi Samoa and our various partners can support them not just in rugby but within their families."

She said that the more they create awareness, the more people will understand. Lakapi Samoa works in collaboration with the UN Women office and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Development to push the initiative out into schools next year where young girls with a passion for sports can be a part of the development project.

One of the participants, Maria Ereinei Nikolao shared on how vital these kinds of sessions are for young girls. 

"These programs help to teach on how to be safer and look out for ourselves. This will also help young girls develop their talents and skills so that they can excel in any sport they choose to," she said.

 "I encourage all the young girls to speak your mind and ask questions. Make use of the talents given to you by God and don't be afraid to show it."

Maria is from the villages of Pu'apu'a, Fagaloa and Fuailalo. She was part of Samoa Under 18 girls' rugby squad that played in New Zealand.

The organisers hope that these programs and workshops will inspire all who attended, especially the girls, so that more people are aware of the importance of gender equality and equity.