She Runs, He Runs, We Run
On Saturday 23 April, the first-ever 1325 solidarity run took place at NATO Headquarters. The 13.25 km (8.2 miles) run aimed to highlight the role of sports in promoting gender balance and solidarity, while raising awareness about United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
The idea of “She Runs, He Runs, We Run” was born two years ago, when Anne Rosner, a senior interpreter at NATO, ran her first marathon at the age of 50. She discovered a passion that, as she puts it, changed her life. Sports is key for women's empowerment, to explore their full potential and break down gender stereotypes.
Running made Anne feel free and fearless, as well as part of a new worldwide extended family, and she wanted to share this newfound passion. “I want to spread the word. I want to help other women and girls become self-confident enough to play a leading role in their communities, cities and countries,” she said, and with this run she aims to build a community for change.
Around 200 runners from different ranks and backgrounds within NATO participated in the run. This was the beginning of what will hopefully become a tradition here at NATO Headquarters. As Marriët Schuurman, NATO’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, said at the launch, the run is a great way to demonstrate that “Together we are stronger. Together we can be fearless”.
NATO and its partners are committed to the implementation of Resolution 1325, which reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.