As part of OFC’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, Cook Islands goalkeeper Rianna Pepe is courageously stepping forward to share a deeply personal story, her experience with digital violence during the OFC Women’s Champions League 2025, where she represented Tupapa Maraerenga FC.
In Tahiti, after her team’s opening defeat to Henderson Eels FC, Pepe became the target of online abuse, a moment that turned what should have been a proud milestone, into something painful and isolating. Now, she reflects on that experience and speaks directly to those who may be facing similar harm.
“Coming from the Cook Islands into a tournament like this for the first time and having to experience that type of online abuse directed towards me, was sad,” Pepe shares.
A respected goalkeeper who has proudly represented both her nation and her club, Pepe had never faced anything like this before. The harsh comments and messages left her heartbroken.
Inside the Tupapa Maraerenga camp, spirits were already low after the opening loss, but seeing the online comments hit even harder.
“We took time to translate some of what was said, and it wasn’t nice. A lot of the comments were basically saying how I was too big to be in goal. It brought morale down.
To come to this tournament, play our first game, and then cop that much abuse online… it was disgusting. It’s not what we wanted to see.”
But Pepe and her teammates found strength again, through each other, and through the voices of support from loved ones back home.
When OFC became aware of the abuse, it acted quickly, working with Pepe to remove the harmful comments from its platforms.
“I received a lot of support, not just for myself, but for the entire team. The support from back home, from our people… it was awesome.”
With courage and compassion, Pepe now shares her message to other women who may one day face the same darkness:
“Tell someone, your coach, your family, your friends. Don’t keep it to yourself. Report the abuse on the platform.
And lean on your support system. You don’t have to face it alone.”
OFC also urges football fans to help keep our digital spaces safe by reporting online abuse to [email protected].
And to those who inflict harm from behind a screen, Pepe has a simple, powerful message:
“In Oceania, we are a family. We come from tight-knit communities and cultures built on respect. Choose to be the reason someone feels supported, not broken. And think twice before you press send.”
OFC thanks Rianna Pepe for her bravery, her honesty, and her commitment to creating positive change across the Pacific. Her story is a reminder: the words we choose matter, and together, we can build safer, kinder online spaces for everyone.
Watch the full interview here: