Yaya Girls Mission:
To create a new class of Ethiopian female role models that will promote gender equality throughout Ethiopia through a semester program focused on running and education. The ultimate goal is to help adolescent girls facing serious life challenges to
become self-sufficient, empowered women who can bring positive changes to both themselves and the communities in which they live in. A new generation of young Yaya female leaders, empowered and encouraged to fight for gender equality, will help redefine the
deep-seated societal norms that unfairly burden girls and women throughout Ethiopia.
My Mission:
I am Julia Hanlon, recent graduate of Bates College, long-distance runner, yoga teacher, and creator of Running On Om. My mission is to work and live with the Yaya Girls from mid October 2014 to mid February 2015, serving as a teacher and facilitator
of their learning curriculum.
5 Pillar Approach:
The Yaya Girls Running Program is built upon a 5 pillar curriculum that offers the girls a diverse set of important life skills. These are:
1. Athletics
2. Empowerment and Life-Skills
3. English Language
4. Vocation Skills Training
5. Health and Nutrition Education
It is our hope that learning and integrating these skills is key to building strong women, strong individuals, strong communities, and a strong and resilient Ethiopia.
Why Women?
As women become more empowered, both socially and economically, they often have a greater say in household and community matters.
In Ethiopia, significant gender gaps have been observed in literacy rates, educational attainment, work status, salary rates, occupation, access to media, age at first marriage, and preference for the number of children desired.
Why Running?
Running in Ethiopia is more than just a way to stay in shape; it a part of their culture. It is a source of national pride and inspiration and, through numerous running clubs across the country, it is already supported by an organized and effective infrastructure.
Healthy competition provides personal challenge, a sense of empowerment and strength and discipline to face difficult obstacles.
A running team creates a safe space, in which runners can build confidence, practice teamwork, assert their independence, and find friendship and mentors.
The physical act of running focuses onabilities, rather than disabilities, thus allowing runners to build a sense of pride and ownership over their bodies as they become stronger and pass through barriers that once seemed impenetrable.
