Running News Daily
Running News Daily is edited by Bob Anderson in Los Altos California USA and team in Thika Kenya, La Piedad Mexico, Bend Oregon, Chandler Arizona and Monforte da Beira Portugal. Send your news items to bob@mybestruns.com Advertising opportunities available. Train the Kenyan Way at KATA Kenya. (Kenyan Athletics Training Academy) in Thika Kenya. KATA Portugal at Anderson Manor Retreat in central portugal. Learn more about Bob Anderson, MBR publisher and KATA director/owner, take a look at A Long Run the movie covering Bob's 50 race challenge.
Index to Daily Posts · Sign Up For Updates · Run The World Feed
Ugandan distance star stands up against gender-based violence
Ugandan middle-distance runner Halimah Nakaayi, the 2019 800m world champion, is using her platform to raise awareness about gender-based violence in East Africa. In a powerful video released by Uganda Athletics on UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (Nov. 25), Nakaayi underlines the struggles many women (including herself) face outside of running.
The video portrays Nakaayi training, with the message: “On the track, she runs for gold… At home, she runs for her life.” It also depicts a man threatening her with violence–a threat millions of women endure. According to global statistics, one in three women will experience gender-based violence in their lifetime. The campaign, supported by the Ugandan Olympic Athletes Commission, aims to spark conversations and push for systemic change to protect women and girls.
This campaign comes in the wake of a shocking incident involving Ugandan Olympic marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei. In August, Cheptegei was attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who doused her in gasoline and set her on fire. She succumbed to her injuries on Sept. 5, with burns to 80 per cent of her body. Ndiema also died, days later, from burns sustained during the attack. The incident devastated the athletics community and highlighted the urgent need to address domestic violence in East Africa.
In 2021, Kenya’s Agnes Tirop, a two-time 10,000m world championship bronze medalist, was found stabbed to death at her home. Her husband was arrested and charged with her murder. These incidents underscore the prevalence of violence against women, including among some of the world’s most high-profile athletes.
Nakaayi’s commitment to advocacy stands beyond her athletic career. Fans have praised her for standing up in a region where gender-based issues are often underreported. The campaign, launched by the Ugandan Olympic Athletes Commission, serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against femicide and gender-based violence, and urges communities and governments to take stronger action.
(11/26/2024) Views: 198 ⚡AMPby Marley Dickinson
