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Ifira Crowned Champions in Anti-Gender-Based Violence Island Cricket Competition


The Vanuatu Cricket Association (VCA), in partnership with Team Up, successfully hosted the final of the Anti-Gender Based Violence Competition on May 21, 2025, as part of its ongoing commitment to raising awareness and driving action on gender-based violence (GBV) through sport.

Held in Port Vila, the competition brought together five spirited teams—Ifira, Imaki, Vila North, Bladinier, and Black Sands. The event served as more than just a series of cricket matches; it was a platform to amplify the message that violence has no place in our homes, communities, or nation.

A wide outdoor shot shows a large group of smiling adults, predominantly women, posing on a green grass field under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The women are dressed in matching uniforms of green skirts or dresses with yellow tops. Several of them are holding cricket bats or wooden sticks. To the left, a man with a beard, wearing a red polo shirt and khaki shorts, stands next to two tall black flags with "Vanuatu Cricket" and other logos. To the right, another man in a light blue polo shirt stands at the end of the line. The background features green trees, some buildings, and more blue sky.

In an electrifying Grand Final, Ifira emerged victorious over Imaki, clinching the title by 17 runs. Littiana Toro from Ifira delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 27 runs and earning the title of Player of the Match. Imaki’s Marie Willie also impressed with 12 runs.

“This competition is about more than cricket,” said Mary Mahuk, Lead Social Impact and Inclusion Ambassador. “It’s good to see five clubs participate, especially the new team Bladinier. Our goal for the next competition is to take the matches into communities so more people can hear our messages about gender-based violence and its harmful effects.”


The competition is part of VCA’s Appeal Against Violence initiative, which uses the power of sport to unite communities and address serious social issues affecting Vanuatu, especially gender-based violence against youth, women, and girls.


All five participating teams were awarded a brand-new set of Island Cricket equipment, hand-carved by local craftspeople, enabling all clubs to play anytime and anywhere. These kits were supplied as part of the support from Interchange.

A diverse group of smiling people, primarily appearing to be women, are gathered on a vibrant green lawn under a clear blue sky with white clouds. Many of them are wearing colorful traditional or uniform-like clothing in various combinations of red, blue, purple, orange, green, and yellow. Some are holding wooden sticks or cricket bats. To the far right, two dark flags with white logos, likely associated with Vanuatu Cricket, are visible. Green trees and some distant buildings frame the background.

The VCA proudly acknowledges the support of Team Up, a regional sport for development program that empowers communities across the Asia-Pacific. With more than 70 partners across 15 sports, Team Up focuses on five key areas: gender, disability, leadership, governance, and knowledge. Their support enables impactful GBV outreach through schools and local communities.

 
 
 

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