Free to Run
Free to Run
Free to Run
Partner
Iraq
Location
2 Years
Duration
Introduction
Women in Iraq are running towards change, confronting gender stereotypes and discrimination head-on.
Community details
A running program in Iraq is helping girls and women take strides towards gender equity. Traditional gender-based discrimination and stereotypes restrict the social lives, movement, and participation in leadership, education, and sports for many girls and women across the country. Gender-based violence remains widespread, with 8 in 10 women experiencing some form of sexual harassment, according to the United Nations. Free to Run focuses on adolescent girls and young women facing multiple forms of discrimination - such as gender and ethnicity - in countries ranked lowest globally on the Gender Inequality Index, including Afghanistan and Iraq. Free to Run’s work engages both the women participating in the program and their broader communities to drive systemic change.
About the project
Free to Run’s project primarily supports girls and young women while fostering broader gender inclusivity through running, leadership, and gender-based violence awareness sessions. Weekly activities take place in safe and inclusive spaces - with running sessions strategically held in public areas to challenge gender norms and promote women’s visibility in society. Through the program, participants actively contribute to shifting attitudes about a woman’s role in society and leadership potential. The initiative also works with community members to address harmful gender stereotypes, fostering environments where girls and women— especially those from underrepresented groups, can thrive and fully participate in public life.
United by Sport
Free to Run’s approach supports girls and women in becoming active playmakers creating a more inclusive and safe society. Through running, participants are challenging gender norms and breaking down barriers one step at a time.
Requested grant amount
€641,000
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