Women and men running together to raise awareness of the importance of sport as a vehicle of inclusion and empowerment.
“Run 4 Women’s Rights” was an event organised by Wempower’s founder Ilaria Biancacci on the morning of 9th March. The group met outside Blackfriars underground station on a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning, and after warming up the run started. Someone decided to walk and met the rest of the party at the end of the chosen five-kilometre route.
The vibes were incredible. Everyone brought their best smiles and energy. Music was playing on speakers and the slogan “women’s rights are human rights” was shouted out in the streets. The group was even cheered on by supporters who were passing by.
The run ended at Luminary Bakery, in Camden Town, where the participants celebrated with coffee and croissants. The organiser chose a very special feminist venue, a social enterprise that offers courses, work experience and paid employment to socially and economically disadvantaged women.
“I felt like home“, Amina said after the event. “The vibes were amazing!”, Rosa added. “It was an amazing plan, I feel so grateful“, Jessica echoed.
The event was organised as part of Ilaria Biancacci’s fundraising campaign for the London Marathon, which will take place on 21st April. She is running for London Sport, a charity that exists to help all Londoners live longer, healthier, and happier lives through being active. You can donate via this link.
“I wanted to celebrate International Women’s Day by creating a space for women and men to run together”, Ilaria Biancacci explained. “I wanted all of us to take up space and explore the power of practising sports, sometimes even getting out of our comfort zone. It was also a great opportunity to support a local business that is doing an amazing job with women’s empowerment. And it is not a mystery that we all loved their cakes and pastries!”.
For Wempower’s founder, running is a meditation tool. “I was never a runner. I hated it. I owe the discovery of this new passion to a friend who got me involved in a weekly running club at work. That slowly, but steadily, became a way of living and now I find peace in running. It is also a great way to connect with so many different but like-minded people because you feel part of a community. Why the marathon? I wanted to push my limits and I wanted to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy life filled with sports for women and girls. That’s why I decided to run it fundraising for London Sport. Their mission truly resonates with me. The importance of making sport not only accessible to everyone in London but to do that equitably is the foundation for a more diverse and inclusive community that can thrive”.
Photos by Sharon Bertoncello
