 |
| Over 2,000 people join the 3rd annual Run for a Vietnam Free of Violence Against Women and Girls in 2024. (Source: nhandan.vn) |
This marked the third annual event organized by the Center for Studies and Applied Sciences in Gender, Family, Women and Adolescents (CSAGA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam. The event is part of a collaboration with the Australian Government in support of National Action Month for Gender Equality and the Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence.
The run was open to everyone, attracting amateur runners and representatives from vulnerable and marginalized groups. Participants chose between two distances: the "Love Route" (2.5 km) and the "Solidarity Route" (5 km), both emphasizing unity and a shared message of respect for women and girls while breaking the silence to end violence.
Under the slogan "Run for a Vietnam Free of Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls", participants shared hundreds of inspirational messages to the community and survivors of gender-based violence, encouraging them to speak up and call for change.
Speaking at the event, Matt Jackson, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam, noted that the participation of over 2,000 people demonstrates the power of community in building a happier future, free from gender-based violence.
Building on the success of events in 2022 and 2023, this year's run further cemented its role as a platform to advance gender equality and raise awareness about violence against women and girls in Vietnam.
More than just a race, the event served as a "Festival of Love and Happiness", offering opportunities for participants to engage in awareness-raising activities. These activities provided knowledge and actionable steps to combat gender-based violence.
The event amplified the voices of survivors and advocates, fostering meaningful dialogue on the prevention and response to gender-based violence and on support for its survivors./.