elimination of violence against women

The Pacific Prevention Domestic Violence Programme began in 2006 with the aim of raising police standards when dealing with domestic violence cases.

Its programme officer, Nga Utanga, spoke at a special screening of the New Zealand film, Once Were Warriors, which is based around domestic violence, at the Nothing Less than Equal Film Festival in Suva.

Utanga says like the work they do in the region, the film shows people having the courage to overcome violence.

The tournament is part of the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence campaign, with 12 men's and six women's teams expected to compete.

The General Manager of Rugby in Samoa, Brian Hopley, says as a male-dominated sport they need to take a leadership role.

"I think its part of being socially responsible, and being probably the major sport in Samoa we feel that it's part of our duty to promote this aspect. It's also been a male-dominated sport here and we think it's important that we put that message out."