Run For Freedom: Run For Empowerment

Vision and Goals The 5k’s vision is to empower women and girls in solidarity with the local community. All women deserve the right to live in freedom, away from violence, trafficking or any other form of exploitation. The Int. Women’s Day 5 K Fun Run/Walk’s first run in 2015, was Nepal’s first and biggest women’s run is an initiative of Higher Ground Nepal. Int. Women’s Day 5 K Fun Run was birthed through the vision of Bimala Shrestha Pokharel to inspire and empower women in Nepal and beyond and encourage them to run/walk for the freedom of women across Nepal. In 2015 and 2016, it was co-organized by Higher Ground, Women Lead and Cycle City Network. In 2017 and 2018, it was co-organized by Higher Ground and Ford Nepal. Through the partnerships with several like-minded women and youth empowerment organizations, we have been able to bring thousands of women from different backgrounds, ages, ethnicity and walks of life to participate together with several hundreds of volunteers of their community supporting them. Partner organizations and participants are encouraged and invited to make this even their own by bringing their own slogans for women rights and highlighting the burning women issues and injustices from the society. Men and boys have showed their love and respect to women/girls by volunteering and cheering them up as well as running with them. Why are we running or walking? Running/walking is not only a great workout; it comes with many other aspects! Our 5k will promote physical fitness among women, but will additionally contribute to developing their self-esteem and self-confidence. By running together, women will inspire and support one another, while they tangibly see that they can also empower each other by adopting a healthier lifestyle for themselves.