Tonga bans schoolgirls from rugby and boxing ‘to preserve dignity’
Order from education minister criticised as sexist, but government blames disruption caused by Cyclone Git
The Tongan government has banned schoolgirls from playing rugby or boxing because the sports are deemed undignified and not in keeping with the island’s traditional culture.
The letter from the ministry of education has caused outrage among many Tongans, who say the directive is outdated and sexist.
Dame Valerie Adams, New Zealand’s two-time Olympic shot put champion, whose mother is Tongan, criticised the ban.
“According to this way of thinking, a proud Tongan like myself could not attain the standing I have in this world. Tongan women must be free to choose their destiny, and not be held back by misguided and stubborn misinterpretation,” Adams said on Facebook....