This past Saturday the Empowering Girls Globally (EGG) and the Running Club teamed up to participate in the Global 5K, a challenge by the United Nations' foundation Girl Up, which tasks girls to run 3.1 miles to support girls’ empowerment in Guatemala. Girl Up stands for education for girls all over the world and brings girls all over the world together to achieve its goals.
In Guatemala, adolescent girls face many serious issues, such as early marriage, teen pregnancy and violence. Indigenous girls living in rural areas are often most at risk. To change this status quo, Girl Up is supporting UNFPA in Guatemala to provide girls with a year-long program that helps them gain the confidence to speak out on behalf of their rights, helping to shift community norms along the way.
Students, faculty, and friends all came out to run in the 5K at the local rails-to-trails route. 30 people enjoyed good food, a raffle for an awesome prize basket, and free Girl Up swag!
Through the hard work of students over the past month, the students raised $1779 to support this amazing cause. This helps enroll over 35 girls into the program!
Grier girls were also featured on the official Girl Up Instagram and Snapchat which was given to EGG co-president Annie G. for a social media takeover of the event. Annie is also the Girl Up Pennsylvania Coalition Leader, working directly with Girl Up to coordinate regional summits and large events. You can learn more about the work conducted by Girl Up at girlup.org