BASKETBALL Fiji marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women with the Raiwaqa community at Ed's Court on Wednesday.

Activities were organised as part of BF's "Hoops for Health" program with the support of organisations such as Australian High Commission, Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, Fiji Police Force, Ministry of Health, UN Women, University of the South Pacific Fitness Centre and Fjii Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee.

"I'm very pleased to be here to launch the Basketball Fiji's Hoops for Health activities aimed at stopping violence against women," Chief guest and Australia's High Commissioner to Fiji, Margaret Twomey said.

"Today (Wednesday), if you don't already know, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and beginning of 16 days of activism against gender based violence campaign.

"There are many activities happening here today (yesterday), across Fiji and the world. It's a time where we come together to galvanise one another and to act to end violence against women and those affected by the violence.

"The event is designed to inform and enlighten participants on the importance of highlighting and reducing the impact of violence against females and NCDs in Fiji through the sport of basketball," BF marketing and communications officer Stephen Bourke said in a media statement.

"It is our goal to educate the communities in particular our mothers and loved ones on the damages that violence can cause to an individual," he said.

Source: The Fiji Times Newspaper

November 27 2015