In part one of our WITH WOMEN WE RUN initiative, we learned that the root cause of gender-based violence is a wider culture that accepts, perpetuates and promotes a view of women and vulnerable groups as unequal.
As we head into part two of our year-long initiative, we want to zero in on action and allyship, building on how to be an effective ally to women and non-binary runners in your running community.
We play a role in challenging gender inequality, even when we may feel it does not directly impact us. Allyship is about standing alongside others to promote their safety and well-being.
There are also many instrumental and individual reasons to become an ally. For personal fulfillment, to promote change and to live a life that is fair and equal for all.
We believe allyship can transform communities, bringing people together to change attitudes and take action to ensure that everyone is respected and feels safe.
If you haven't signed up, join us and run 8KM with us on our WITH WOMEN WE RUN challenge on the adidas Running app.
We believe that as runners and through the power of allyship, we are well placed to transform running culture and in doing so, create a more gender-just world. As a community, now and always.
How we can work to change ridiculous running realities together
Running with one earphone in, bringing an alert whistle, wearing loose clothing, notifying friends and family before and after a run; these are some of the realities that 69%* of women runners all over the world face every day...
Healthy masculinity is the idea that men can be emotionally expressive without feeling debased. It also entails treating everyone with respect and consideration.
Being harassed as a woman while running has become a norm. Because of this, women have had to change their behaviour to avoid being catcalled, followed or body shamed.
WITH WOMEN WE RUN: CREATING SAFE SPACES FOR EVERYONE
In 2022, adidas Runners successfully launched the WITH WOMEN WE RUN initiative to demonstrate our commitment to collectively end harassment and any form of gender-based violence and vulnerable groups, making running spaces safer for all.
Earlier in 2022, we launched WITH WOMEN WE RUN — a powerful initiative that has become a permanent pillar in our adidas Runners community values. Through this, our collective goal is to help end harassment and any forms of violence against women to make running safer for all.