Empowering Girls and Young Women in Sinjar Through Running

In Sinjar, girls and young women face significant barriers to leadership, physical activity, and access to safe spaces. Over the past year, Nadia’s Initiative has partnered with Free to Run to change that—empowering 300 adolescent girls and young women through running, leadership, and life skills. Using the NI Women’s Center as a key venue, the program created a safe environment for growth and connection, where participants built resilience, developed confidence, and redefined their futures.

From running their first kilometer to completing a Half Marathon, participants proved their strength. Football, hiking, and yoga sessions fostered teamwork and wellbeing, while life skills sessions focused on leadership, conflict resolution, and gender equality. Community engagement brought families and local leaders into the conversation, reinforcing the importance of girls’ rights and mental health. The program culminated in a memorable celebration—5K, 10K, and Half Marathon races that honored their achievements. In a region where opportunities for girls remain limited, this program opened doors for resilience, healing, and leadership—proving that when given the chance, these young women can go the distance.