International Women's Run in Addis Ababa

International Women's Run in Addis Ababa These runs are often held to celebrate International Women's Day (March 8). They serve to honor women, highlight their strengths, promote gender equality, and often raise funds for women's charities. Most often, women of all ages participate, though sometimes there are separate races for men or mixed teams. The 22nd edition took place on March 16, 2025, and was themed “All Rights; For All Women” (2025) or “Running for Every Woman, Every Right.” It is organized by the Great Ethiopian Run. In 2025, over 16,000 women and girls participated, from elite athletes to recreational runners. The 5-kilometer course led through the Bole district. The atmosphere is festive and empowering, with music and educational programs. Two-time Olympic champion Meseret Defar is a prominent ambassador for the race. In addition to the general public, high-ranking figures often participate, including ambassadors from 11 countries and representatives from 16 UN organizations. This international women's race in Addis Ababa attracted 120,000 participants, setting a new national record, according to media reports. The five-kilometer race started at Bole International Airport, wound through several neighborhoods, and finished at Abebe Bikila Stadium. Addis Ababa's mayor, Adanech Abiebie, led the field, accompanied by prominent athletes and international guests, as reported by a local news portal. "It is a great honor for me to run alongside the mayor and thousands of other women. This is a day of joy and pride for our country," said one Addis Ababa resident. ``` The event is intended to highlight women's contribution to Ethiopia's prosperity and their active role in national life, the mayor was quoted as saying. This event symbolizes women's empowerment, their health, and their contribution to society. It provides a platform to raise awareness of issues such as gender equality and specific rights, for example, the right to land ownership. Starting in 2027, the run will be officially supported by Bank of America as the presenting partner, further professionalizing the event.

https://t.me/s/sputnik_africa https://ethiopia.unfpa.org/en/events/20th-edition-women-first-run-5km-race#:~:text=WOMEN%20FIRST%20has%20grown%20into,attracting%20a%20record%2010%2C000%20participants. https://ethiopianrun.org/