In the heart of conflict-ridden regions, where the impact of upheaval is felt most acutely, Free to Run emerges as a beacon of hope, founded by ultra runner and human rights lawyer, Stephanie Case, in 2014. More than just a running program, Free to Run is a rights-based, girl and young woman-led initiative that is transforming lives and communities in the face of adversity.
A Journey of Empowerment: From Hiking to Leadership
The journey began with simple hiking activities at the request of a small group of young women in the Central Highlands of Afghanistan. Since then, Free to Run has expanded its reach, impacting thousands of individuals across five countries, with a focus on Afghanistan and Iraq, where the largest-scale programs operate today.
Rooted in Rights, Led by the Community
Free to Run's work is grounded in the ethical and practical imperative of girls' and women's rights. What sets it apart is its commitment to being girl and young woman-led. Community Development Leaders, young program alumni, lead sessions, ensuring programs are exclusively designed, implemented, and evaluated by individuals from the community.
Diverse Integration for Peacebuilding
Diversity is a cornerstone of Free to Run's approach, bringing together participants from varied ethno-religious and cultural backgrounds. This grassroots strategy aims to enhance peacebuilding and stability in places of conflict, challenging discrimination based on gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and migration/displacement.
Safety-Conscious, On the Edge
Operating where it's most challenging to be assigned female at birth, Free to Run is on the edge, working in places where few dare to tread. Understanding the counter-cultural nature of sports participation and rights activism in these communities, the organization excels in ensuring the mental, emotional, physical, and political safety of its participants and staff.
Empowering Women and Girls: The Core of Free to Run's Mission
Conflicts disproportionately impact women and girls, restricting their rights and rendering them invisible. Free to Run steps into this void, supporting young women and girls in conflict areas to build leadership skills, improve physical and emotional well-being, and reclaim public spaces through running.
Beyond Athletic Performance: Shifting Attitudes, Creating Leaders
Free to Run's programs encompass physical fitness, life skills development, and community service. Participants engage in outdoor sports like running, hiking, and camping, becoming leaders who challenge negative norms. The focus is on developing skills, competencies, and shifting attitudes within participants and their communities.
Outdoor Sports: Reclaiming Public Space
Limited sports opportunities in conflict zones, especially for women and girls, are addressed by Free to Run through outdoor sports. Running, hiking, and camping provide opportunities for participants to step outside their usual environments, challenging societal perceptions and redefining the roles women can play.
Learning and Leadership: Life Skills through Sports (LSS) Curriculum
Central to the program is the Life Skills through Sports curriculum, fostering communication, conflict resolution, and leadership. Alumni become volunteer Community Development Leaders, influencing the curriculum and sharing experiences across cultures.
Psychosomatic Resilience: Holistic Trauma-Informed Approach
In communities facing barriers to traditional programming, Free to Run adopts a trauma-informed psychosomatic and embodied learning methodology. This holistic approach uses indoor physical activity and psychosocial leadership sessions to build resilience through the mind-body connection.
Volunteering for Community Impact
Free to Run emphasizes community engagement, requiring team members to regularly volunteer. Volunteer projects challenge preconceptions about women's roles, fostering community acceptance of women's leadership and expanding public safe spaces.
In the midst of conflict, Free to Run stands tall, not just as a running program but as a catalyst for empowerment, resilience, and positive change. Through their commitment to rights, leadership, and community, Free to Run is sowing the seeds of transformation for women and girls in the most challenging corners of the world.
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