PNG Rugby Football League will host the second “Pawa Meri Round” at the National Football Stadium this weekend.
The Pawa Meri Round recognises the contribution by women to the growth and development of rugby league in PNG.
Highlighting the impacts that players, coaches, team managers, trainers and all the women in our rugby eco system that allow our competitions to run smoothly.
PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina said that PNGRFL Wan Haus Policy allows all three PNG National and International competition, the Hostplus Cup (SP PNG Hunters), Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and Santos Cup, to partake in the Pawa Meri Round where all players and game officials will be in Pink Socks and the SP PNG Hunters in their Pawa Meri round jerseys.
“All players, Game Day Staff and Competition officials will be in Bright Pink Socks to acknowledge the Pawa Meri Round. The round acknowledges the continued contribution that women in league contribute on the field and off the field, and we hope next year we can partner with likeminded business houses to honour a cause for the round. You can support the round by attending either Round 17 of the Digicel ExxonMobil, Round 2 of the Santos Cup and Round 20 Hostplus home game for the SP PNG Hunters.”
Mr Hondina stated that women in rugby league on the field have come far with the establishment of a National Women’s Rugby League competition and with that, there is a responsibility for the PNGRFL to ensure balance, which has led to the development of a Gender Equality Strategy to better ensure both men and women have equal opportunities across PNGRFL programs and competitions.
“We will in the coming months announce PNGRFL Gender Equality Strategy, but the Pawa Meri round is a reminder that we play with respect and that we stand against all forms of Gender based violence. I’d also like to acknowledge the PNGRFL and SP PNG Hunters female Staff, Game Day Staff, Sponsors and the women involved in our rugby eco system present and past for you contribution to the growth of Rugby League in PNG.” On Saturday and Sunday Round 17 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and Round 2 Santos Cup will kick off in Port Moresby, Minj, Lae and at Santos National Football Stadium, round 20 of Hostplus Cup, will see SP PNG Hunters take on Western Clydesdale.