Black Caps legend joins global fight against gender violence

Former Black Caps captain Leaupepe Luteru Ross Taylor has joined a new global panel aimed at ending gender-based violence, following data showing more than one billion women and girls around the world experience violence in their lifetime.

Leaupepe’s appointment comes after the panel’s launch in London earlier this month. He is among a group of global leaders, survivor advocates, and experts brought together under ALL IN: Global Leaders for Ending Gender-Based Violence.

ALL IN is an initiative co-led by the Ford Foundation, Wellspring Philanthropic Foundation and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with the Equality Institute serving as secretariat.

Leaupepe is one of New Zealand cricket’s most celebrated players with a career spanning more than 450 international matches. The now 41-year-old captained the Black Caps during his career and was part of the side that won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

He retired from New Zealand international cricket in 2022 as the nation’s most-capped player and one of its leading all-time run-scorers. He recently returned to international cricket to represent Sāmoa in the T20 World Cup qualifiers.

In a press release, Leaupepe says his decision to join ALL IN is grounded in his role as a father and his responsibility as a public figure.

Ross Taylor and family after his final international game for New Zealand. Game 3 of the ODI Series - New Zealand v Netherlands played at Seddon Park, Hamilton on Monday, 4 April 2022. Photo/Photosport/Bruce Lim

“I want my daughters and my son growing up in a world where everyone is treated with respect. If speaking up through sport helps move things in the right direction, then it's worth it,” he says. “Sport has a unique ability to unite people across cultures, ages and backgrounds. If my platform can help shift attitudes towards respect and equality, then I’m proud to play my part in ending gender-based violence.”

The panel was also launched with a new report showing that over 140 women and girls are killed every day by a partner or family member.

ALL IN focuses on three pillars: embedding prevention across systems, transforming social norms in communities, and mobilising sustained funding for solutions.

Leaupepe Ross Taylor, CNZM, of Hamilton, for services to cricket and Pacific communities… at Government House, Wellington, New Zealand on Thursday 25 May 2023. Photo/Government House Media Wellington/Doug Mountain

“Young boys look up to athletes to understand what ‘normal’ looks like. Whether we realise it or not, we set an example. If we can model respect and healthy behaviour through sport, we can help break harmful cycles early,” Leaupepe says.

The panel includes prominent international figures such as Graça Machel, former First Lady of Mozambique and South Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Tarana Burke, the founder of the MeToo movement.

Machel says in a statement that societies must be “reimagined and redesigned into safe, vibrant and equitable ones”.

“We must come together as a united human family and apply a comprehensive, vigorous and unrelenting focus to eradicating gender-based violence,” Machel says.

In a press release, Dr Emma Fulu, founder and chief executive of the Equality Institute, says the panel represents a moment to match the scale of the problem with the scale of action required.

“After 25 years working to end gender-based violence, I have never seen a moment like this. Today, we stand at a crossroads: the risks are rising, but so is our collective power,” Fulu says.

ALL IN is an initiative co-led by the Ford Foundation, Wellspring Philanthropic Foundation and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with Equality Institute serving as secretariat. Photo/Supplied

“With strong evidence in hand and incredible leaders stepping up, this Panel is our opportunity to finally match the scale of the problem with the scale of action required. It’s time to go all in.”

Leaupepe hopes his involvement encourages more athletes, particularly from the Pacific, to use their platforms to advocate for change.

“I’d love to see more athletes, men and women, join this movement. Sport reaches millions of people, and when we speak with one voice on something this important, it can drive real change in our communities,” he says.

“Professional sport cuts across borders, backgrounds and beliefs. That reach gives athletes a powerful role to play in shaping positive social norms. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s also a huge opportunity.”