Every day, 137 women across the world are killed by a partner or member of their own family due to gender based violence. In Ireland, since 1996, 254 women have been killed, with 87% of resolved cases being perpetrated by a man known to the victim. In 2021 there were 28,096 disclosures of abuse against women.
In light of the murder of Ashling Murphy last year, Her Sport, Gorm Media and Human Collective joined forces to be part of change and launched the campaign #SheWasGoingForARun to raise awareness around violence against women and fundraise for Women’s Aid. This year we continue to seek change, raise awareness and fundraise. We are remembering Ashling and so many more women who were victims of gender based violence, and the recent murders of Natalie McNally and Bruna Fonseca.
According to the World Health Organisation, “violence against women remains devastatingly pervasive and starts alarmingly young.” 1 in 3 girls and women from the age 15 have and will face sexual and physical assault by men in their lifetime. Moreover, 60% of women runners have been harassed when running, with 6% having feared for their lives.
The #SheWasGoingForARun Campaign aims to actively combat violence against women by awareness raising, fundraising, online content and community building. On 18th February 2023, we will host commemorative runs/walks across the Nation in honour of Ashling Murphy, Natalie McNally, Bruna Fonesca and all the victims of gender based violence.
Over 1000 people took part in the #SheWasGoingForARun campaign last year in 5 different countries. Again this year, the run will be organised by local clubs and communities.
Gender based violence is still happening. This needs to be taken seriously and change needs to happen. Together with your help, we are seeking to raise funds for Women’s Aid and start important conversations in society about the REAL issues girls and women face on a daily basis.
- To take action and take part in the campaign visit run.hersport.ie.
- If you are a club or community leader and want to be a hub let us know in https://run.hersport.ie/locations/
- Keep an eye out on the website to see the updated list of locations.
We want girls and women to feel safe both in their own homes and in their communities. #SheWasGoingForARun
Niamh Tallon, Founder of Her Sport said “Fear is something women experience on a daily basis. This tragic incident is something that really resonated with our audience at Her Sport. As an organisation, we know we can’t solve the problem, but we can make some contribution to raise awareness, funds and educate around violence against women. We really want to bring the nation together to show solidarity, but also take back the power and not encourage further fear.”
