EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SPORT
Free to Run’s mission is to advance gender equity globally through running.
MEET FREE TO RUN
Founded in 2014, Free to Run works in some of the world’s most challenging regions - conflict areas where young women and girls are disproportionately affected and restrictions to their rights are often overlooked.
We use running and rights-based programs to support the leadership, agency, and health of girls and young women. Free to Run participants are given the tools to become leaders who know their rights, exercise self-determination, challenge negative gender norms, and boldly reclaim public spaces.
OUR THREE-PILLAR STRATEGY DRIVES EVERYTHING WE DO
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Support the leadership, agency and health of adolescent girls and young women in conflict to change gender norms in their community through running and rights-based programs
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Resource local organizations to design, implement and evaluate programs addressing girls’ and women’s rights through sport
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Lift global consciousness about the potential for running to improve gender equity
WHERE WE WORK
Free to Run operates in some of the most challenging regions in the world, where decades of conflict and instability have resulted in extreme social isolation for women and girls as well as harassment, constrained mobility, and unequal access to their rights. Since 2014 we have worked to create positive change in the lives of thousands of young women and girls living in regions of conflict, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Palestine.
“The moment, when you cross the finish line, that moment is a golden time that not everybody can experience. It wouldn’t have been possible if Free to Run had not provided me this opportunity. The opportunity to know more about my strengths, my weaknesses, my mind and to feel the real freedom through observing and connecting with nature while running.”
FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN A FREE TO RUN PROGRAM:
93% report positive changes in at least one of our key impact areas
78% experience significant improvements in leadership, social and emotional well-being, and physical and reproductive health
63% show increased awareness and understanding of their rights
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
If you believe in the power of running to change lives, we’d love to work with you! From park runs or ultramarathons to office bake sales, school fundraisers, or content creation, your help to raise awareness and funds for our programs is invaluable. Join us as we work to advance gender equity globally through running.
