Play for Equity Fund

Abraham Eric Avediba, one of the two individual grantees selected for the Play for Equity Fund, is determined to tackle the discrimination faced by females and LGBTQI+ individuals within his community in Papua New Guinea. With this funding, he plans to launch a quarterly school sports program aimed at lower primary schools. This initiative will focus on promoting gender equity and inclusion by encouraging mixed-gender teams and challenging traditional gender roles in sports. Additionally, Abraham will enhance the visibility of women and LGBTQI+ athletes and coaches by inviting them to speak to students during the mid-term break. He is confident that these efforts will create a gradual shift in attitudes within his community.

Funding amount: 8,000AUD

Adi Kelera Qereitoga Tagivakatini is one of two individual grantees selected for the Play for Equity Fund. Kelera, who is the media administrator for Fiji Rugby League, has been traveling across the country, capturing the essence of the sport and witnessing firsthand how social media can transform the narrative for women in sports. She highlights the NRL Rise Rookie Academy Program, where women's participation has not only been inspired but has also sparked stories that encourage others to support the sport. These stories continue to shift mindsets, and with the Play for Equity Fund, Kelera hopes to acquire essential media equipment to further elevate these narratives, inspiring the next generation of women and reshaping perceptions of women in sport in Fiji.

Funding amount: 5,000AUD

AFL Vanuatu's "Footy Blo Evriwan" program is designed to use Australian rules football to provide equal opportunities in the sport for everyone, especially individuals with a disability in schools and communities. The program also heavily focuses on the holistic development of children across special schools and communities in Vanuatu, promoting active participation and inclusion.

Funding amount: 15,000AUD

Axel Athletics Club is a newly formed initiative designed to provide a safe space for people of diverse sexual orientations to participate in sports without facing discrimination across Papua New Guinea. The Play for Equity grant will help support the club in raising awareness about non-discrimination for LGBTQI+ individuals and promote full participation regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Funding amount: 15,000AUD

BTC Women Soccer Club aims to increase opportunities for women and girls to participate in soccer across Kiribati. One of the main challenges they face is the lack of inclusion of women's competitions in national tournaments, and the Club hopes to change this. With support from the Play for Equity Fund, they plan to purchase essential equipment and promote women's soccer in the country. Their goal is to create a platform for women's competitions and provide an avenue for women to achieve success through soccer.

Funding amount: 15,000AUD

The Central Island Province Honiara-Based Youth Group aims to unite youth from their provinces, addressing the challenges they face in coming together as a community. Many young people lack the opportunity to participate in collective sports activities. With support from the Play for Equity Fund, the Youth Group will organise a sports festival that not only encourages participation but also identifies emerging talent. The event will feature futsal, volleyball, and netball, with professional referees ensuring inclusion across all genders. Additionally, there will be activities for younger children (pikinini) to enjoy.

Funding amount: 14,000AUD

The Cook Islands Rugby Union's "She's a Ruck Star" initiative aims to accelerate the growth of girls' and women's rugby across the Cook Islands. The core focus is on grassroots development, providing girls with equal opportunities and a safe space to learn and grow through rugby. The initiative is designed to support and teach rugby and leadership skills to young girls aged 6-18 as they navigate crucial stages of their development. With the support of the Play for Equity Fund, the initiative hopes to become more sustainable and extend its reach throughout Rarotonga and the outer islands.

The Disability Pride Hub in Fiji has been raising awareness about the challenges and stigma faced by people with a disability, particularly within the LGBTQI+ community. The Play for Equity grant will support the organisation in hosting sports camps and events to encourage greater participation from individuals in these groups. It also aims to change the perceptions and attitudes of others, showcasing that when given the opportunity, people with a disability can achieve the same accomplishments and be fully included in sports and all aspects of the community.

Funding amount: 15,000AUD

The Disabled People's Association of Solomon Islands works tirelessly to ensure that people with a disability and other marginalised groups are included in various community initiatives. The Play for Equity grant funding will support them in organising games in six targeted communities, bringing activities directly to these areas to enable convenient participation and enjoyment for people with a disability. Additionally, there are planned activities for other marginalised groups, which will be hosted in a central location. These efforts aim to change mindsets and raise awareness about the inclusion of all people, regardless of gender or disability, across Solomon Islands.

Funding amount: 15,000AUD

The Floorball Federation Solomon Islands aims to increase the representation of women amongst its club teams. With eight teams currently registered, they plan to use funds from the Play for Equity grant to attract more women and girls to the sport, whilst promoting gender equality and healthy living through floorball across the Solomon Islands.

Funding amount: 15,000AUD

The Gospel School for the Deaf is a prominent special school in Fiji's capital, Suva. The school actively participates in various sports initiatives but has worn out its sporting equipment over time. The Play for Equity grant will enable the school to purchase much-needed equipment for sports such as table tennis, tag rugby, netball, and indoor activities during inclement weather. This will help keep the students enthusiastic and engaged in sports.

Funding amount: 4,000AUD

Haateiho Rugby Community Development is a newly formed initiative in Tonga focused on creating more opportunities for women and girls to participate in rugby. The Play for Equity grant will help the orginisation to expand its program to reach more communities and inspire more girls to take up the sport. This initiative also aims to offer an avenue for girls who have dropped out of school to try rugby, potentially leading to success and providing a means to support themselves and their families in the future.

Funding amount: 4,500AUD

Leiona Outrigger Canoe Club aims to challenge the perception that paddling is only for men and boys in Samoa. Given the costs associated with the necessary safety equipment for the sport, the Play for Equity Fund will help the Club purchase essential gear. There is currently a lack of women role models in paddling in Samoa, and the club hopes to change this by attracting more young girls and women to the sport, inspiring them to become role models themselves.

Funding amount: 15,000AUD

Majuro Ocean Sports Club, known for producing many great male paddlers, is now looking to increase its number of women members. With the help of the Play for Equity Fund, the Club aims to repair its canoes and organise paddling events specifically for women who have shown interest in the sport. By addressing fears of the deep waters and challenging the stereotype that paddling is only for men, the Club hopes to change perceptions among both women and men, promoting paddling as a gender-equal sport.

Funding amount: 5,600AUD

Namosi Eco Retreat and Navunikabi Women’s Rugby have established the first-ever provincial women's rugby team in Namosi, Fiji. With the support of the Play for Equity Fund, they aim to secure more resources to support the team, promote women's rugby as a norm in the community, and create women leaders through the sport. There are still many barriers preventing women in the province from participating in sports, such as cultural restrictions on women wearing shorts. However, by raising awareness, the team hopes to change mindsets and encourage more women and girls to pursue their dreams through sport. 

Funding amount: 11,100AUD

The Niue Powerlifting Federation Incorporated has developed a project specifically aimed at children on the ADHD spectrum to encourage their participation in the sport. With the support of the Play for Equity Fund, they plan to purchase user-friendly equipment and train two women coaches to deliver powerlifting training to these children. The initiative also aims to support potential athletes in qualifying for the Commonwealth Games. The federation recognises that children with ADHD often have high energy levels, but there are currently few initiatives to help channel this energy and provide a safe space for them to participate in sports. This innovative project seeks to change that and inspire more children with ADHD to get involved in powerlifting.

Funding amount: 15,000AUD

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Deaf Association was established in 2012. A disabled persons’ organisation (DPO) registered with Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) of Papua New Guinea, the PNG Deaf Association is a national, single line, stand alone or independent DPO under the national DPOs umbrella organisation, PNG Assembly of Disabled Persons.  

The PNG Deaf Association is a not-for-profit organisation whose main aims and objectives are awareness and advocacy in promotion of inclusion and sign language status in PNG education, human rights, sports education and social inclusion. PNG Deaf Association is a deaf-lead organisation - led by deaf citizens for deaf citizens in PNG with support of sign language interpreters. Members of the PNG Deaf Association have been instrumental in leading and developing deaf rugby in PNG.

STARS - Vanua Levu is an initiative that promotes the inclusion of the LGBTQI+ community in all aspects of society in Vanua Levu, Fiji. Through the Play for Equity Grant, they plan to organise non-competitive sports and fun games to engage people from marginalised groups, particularly the LGBTQI+ community. The initiative hopes to change the mindsets and create ripple effects towards promoting equal rights for everyone. 

The Tri-Sports Samoa Association aims to encourage more girls and women to participate in sports. Through the Play for Equity Fund, they will provide triathlon training courses exclusively for girls and women, including Fa'afafine (LGBTQI+). The six-week program will culminate in a mini triathlon event, where participants will receive a certificate. The hope is that this experience will inspire them to continue in the sport. Additionally, the program will offer older women opportunities to engage in the sport by providing a safe and supportive environment.

Funding amount: 10,000AUD

The Utwe Women Organisation aims to support young people, especially young women and girls, in participating in sports across the Federated States of Micronesia. The organisation recognises that many youth lack access to sports, and with the Play for Equity Fund, they hope to secure proper sporting equipment, especially for volleyball, table tennis, and traditional games. This initiative will provide young people with opportunities to participate in sports and feel empowered.

Women in Sports Hub (WISH) Fiji is an emerging initiative dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all women and girls to be recognised for their sporting talents. With the Play for Equity Fund, the Hub aims to complete the development of its website, allowing women athletes across Fiji to upload their information for potential scouting opportunities. Additionally, the Hub plans to run campaigns to encourage more women to join and gain exposure to both local and international opportunities, empowering them in the process.

Funding amount: 14,500AUD

The Black Pearl Rugby League Club Safe House operates in the 2Mile Hill settlement in Port Moresby, PNG, a community often known for its challenges. Since its establishment in 2018, the club has focused on empowering women, particularly those under 35 years of age, by providing opportunities that were traditionally unavailable to them, like playing rugby league - a sport often seen as only for men. With the support of the Play for Equity Fund, the club has expanded its resources, resulting in increased female participation and the emergence of women as role models within the community.

In addition to promoting sports, the program also plays a crucial role in supporting women facing domestic violence. The club offers advice, guidance, and information on where to seek help, ensuring that these women know they are not alone. The club's vision is to see all women and girls in the 2Mile Hill and Port Moresby South communities recognise their worth, develop self-respect, and embrace a mindset of empowerment and change.

Ha'apai Women's Rugby is a pioneering team from one of the outer islands of Tonga, Ha'apai. Ha'apai consists of 17 small islands, which are among the most vulnerable in Tonga to natural disasters. Despite their remote location and limited access to sports funding, they made history in 2021 by fielding their very first women's team and playing in the Grand Final. That same year, they successfully organised their first rugby tournament on the island. 

Since securing the Play for Equity Grant funding, they have been able to provide more resources to the team and reach more girls in their community. This has helped them build momentum and continue to promote women's sports and gender justice in Ha'apai and across Tonga. 

Funding amount: 13,500AUD

Nei Mom Uprising & BIMBA is a community initiative in Kiribati dedicated to transforming the landscape of sports participation for women, especially mothers, and members of the LGBTQI+ community. Traditionally, societal norms in Kiribati have deemed sports participation for these groups inappropriate, leading to feelings of exclusion and stigma. However, Nei Mom Uprising & BIMBA, with the support of the Play for Equity Fund grant, is working to change these perceptions.

The grant has empowered Nei Mom Uprising & BIMBA to enhance their awareness programs and sporting activities aimed specifically at women and the LGBTQI+ community. A key focus has been on promoting netball as an inclusive and safe sport. This initiative has not only boosted participation rates but has also started to dismantle the negative stereotypes associated with women and LGBTQI+ individuals engaging in sports.

Funding amount: 15,000AUD

Seagles is an all-female outrigger canoeing team in Samoa, dedicated to challenging the male dominance in the sport. Their goal is to become the first-ever all-women outrigger canoeing paddling club in Samoa, promoting inclusivity and addressing water safety concerns, empowering women to feel more confident in the water. With the support of the Play for Equity Fund, they’ve acquired the necessary equipment, allowing the women to feel a greater sense of ownership and pride in their club, as they previously had to rely on borrowed gear.

The Seaqaqa PRIDE Hub, an initiative of the Rainbow Pride Fiji Foundation, is dedicated to empowering LGBTQI+ individuals and single mothers in rural areas. By collaborating with Provincial Town Councils, they focus on economic empowerment, enabling access to essential services without the fear of discrimination, and enhancing skill sets for sustainable livelihoods. With the support of the Play for Equity Fund, they have succesfully organised twelve information and sports days across the Macuata provinces. These events enabled member participation and team bonding while providing a platform for stakeholders in small and micro enterprises to offer their services and support.

The Solomon Islands Hockey Federation, with the support of the Play for Equity Fund, has been working to address the significant challenges faced by many athletes, particularly women and para-athletes, in attending training sessions. Financial constraints and lack of transport often hinder these athletes, most of whom are either unemployed or still in school, from participating fully in the sport. This support provided crucial transport allowances, ensuring that athletes could attend training sessions consistently, especially in preparation for the Pacific Games 2023.

Thanks to this support, many athletes were able to attend all the training sessions, improve their skills, and some even made it into the national squad that competed in the Pacific Games 2023. The Solomon Islands women's team, considered underdogs, reached the final against reigning champions Fiji at the Pacific Games 2023. Although they lost in the final, their performance made their home country proud.

Funding amount: 15,000AUD

The Sports Committee of Lomaivuna High School, located in the rural outskirts of Fiji's capital, Suva, has been developing their schoolgirls' participation and excellence in and through rugby league. Situated 35.6 kilometres from the nearest main road, the school faced logistical challenges, but their sports committee remained dedicated to their students' progress. 

Securing a Play for Equity grant in 2022 was a turning point, enabling the school to significantly enhance their facilities and resources. Using the grant, they revamped their school grounds, acquired a tournament tent, and provided dedicated jerseys for their schoolgirls’ rugby league team. These investments not only provided a safer training environment but also inspired the girls' team to reach the finals of the national tournament, marking a historic achievement for the school. 

Funding amount: 15,000AUD

The Western Solomon Surfing Association (WSSA) is the peak body for surfing in Solomon Islands. Since its establishment in 2014, WSSA has been instrumental in developing the surfing sports pathway within the country. As the leading body for surfing, WSSA oversees surf events, educational programs, and community initiatives. Its overarching goal is to enhance participation of women and girls, skills, and performance in surfing.

WSSA currently boasts 40 members, uniting surfers from all provinces of Solomon Islands. Notably, only two members have been women aged over 20. Securing the Play for Equity Fund in 2022 marked a significant turning point. This funding provided WSSA with additional resources to boost female participation in their programs.

Funding amount: 15,000AUD