More than 16,000 women took to the streets of Ethiopia’s capital on Sunday for the 22nd edition of the Women First 5km Race, a landmark event promoting gender equality and celebrating the achievements of the country’s female athletes.
The race, held in Addis Ababa’s bustling Bole district, was organized as part of the national celebrations for International Women’s Day and drew participants from across the country, including over 150 elite athletes and more than 30 women honored for their contributions to sport and society.
Themed “Running for Every Woman, Every Right,” this year’s event was organized by the Great Ethiopian Run and aimed to highlight the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Ethiopia and beyond. Organizers described the race as a symbolic and empowering act of unity.
“As thousands of women run side by side, they are not only celebrating their achievements but demanding a future in which every woman and girl is afforded equal rights, opportunities, and respect,” organizers said in a statement.
Olympic champion and long-distance running icon Meseret Defar, who serves as the event’s ambassador, officially launched the race. Participants who completed the 5-kilometer route in under 35 minutes were awarded a special certificate bearing Defar’s signature—a gesture meant to encourage athleticism and perseverance among women of all ages.
The event also paid tribute to Ethiopia’s legendary female runners, whose accomplishments on the global stage have inspired generations of women and girls to pursue careers in sports and challenge traditional gender roles.
Launched over two decades ago, the Women First race has grown to become one of Africa’s largest all-women sporting events. It not only celebrates physical fitness but also underscores broader social messages about gender inclusion, equality in the workplace, and women’s empowerment.
Despite significant progress in recent years, advocates say challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women continues to lag behind.
“Today’s race is a reminder that while we’ve come a long way, the road ahead still requires a collective effort,” said one participant, a university student from Oromia region. “We run not only for ourselves but for the rights of women everywhere.”
The race concluded with a cultural celebration, as thousands gathered in Unity Park to enjoy live music and speeches from prominent women leaders and activists.
