Rugby is a girls’ game too

In today’s world, there are 1.1 billion girls. The good news is that girls are now more likely than ever to survive childhood and go to school, and less likely to marry as children. Yet persistent gender discrimination means girls are still often constrained by a lack of equal opportunities. In Laos and Vietnam, however, girls are taking up a unique opportunity to learn valuable life skills and make their mark on the world through ChildFund’s Pass It Back program. This innovative sport for development program, which uses rugby as a tool for engagement and learning, has attracted equal numbers of girls and boys as both players and coaches. “I had never played any sport before. Playing rugby made me realise that I have special running skills, which is amazing! I am the fastest runner,” says 13-year-old Oanh from Vietnam. Introducing a previously unfamiliar sport like rugby into communities in Vietnam encourages girls to take part, as it is not traditionally seen as a boys’ game. With around 1,000 players making up 60 teams across Kim Boi district, ChildFund’s Pass It Back program has attracted more than 50 per cent female players. Oanh and her team mates have weekly training sessions, not only learning about the game of rugby, but covering topics such as teamwork, communication, gender equality and financial management. Every three months they play matches against other teams in their district, and just recently Oanh and her teammates also had the chance to participate in the Pass It Back Cup in Laos – which was the first time many of the girls had travelled out of their district. “I am confident and proud of myself and my team,” she says.   Like many girls who take part in the Pass It Back program, Oanh feels she has benefitted in many ways. “In the past, I was too shy to raise my own opinions and unwilling to help other people. Recently, I confidently shared my ideas with other people and I feel responsible for addressing conflicts between my classmates. All of us have a duty to stay united as a team,” she explains. Oanh’s Pass It Back coach, Ha, has also witnessed many changes in her: “I have seen big improvements in Oanh’s confidence and communication skills. She used to be very shy and had low confidence before becoming a player. I believe that all sessions in the Pass It Back curriculum have contributed to her achievements. Oanh has matured a lot thanks to Pass It Back.” ChildFund’s Pass it Back program is implemented in partnership with Women Win and Asia Rugby, and supported by the Australian Government. Get involved now Help spread the word about the power of Pass it Back to support gender equality by sharing this great video!