Minnetonka woman founds nonprofit fighting for gender equality during gap year

MINNETONKA, Minn. —

A Minnetonka graduate is taking her idea for a nonprofit and running with it.

Girls Run Global: Empowering Girls Through Running

Nineteen-year-old Maya Mor spent her gap year creating “Girls Run Global.” It might be her first time launching a nonprofit, but advocating for gender equality is nothing new for her.

In fourth grade, Mor was already advocating for gender equality in sports, specifically for the women’s team to play on grass like the men’s instead of turf. Running has completely changed her life for the better, empowering her and making her feel capable of taking on anything.

Using Running as a Vehicle for Empowerment

Girls Run Global aims to empower girls through the sport of running, particularly in underdeveloped countries where the gender gap is most significant. Their mission is to use running as a vehicle to empower girls and equip them with the skills to succeed in other areas of life.

Mor’s team is partnering with a secondary school near Morogoro, Tanzania called SEGA Girls School. The response has been overwhelming, with nearly 70 girls signing up for the running team. Mor will help implement the program next month.

The Power of Running

Running has been shown to improve self-esteem, sense of purpose, and confidence. It provides a great team environment while also offering an opportunity for individual growth. Girls Run Global aims to translate these benefits to the girls they work with in Tanzania.

Accessible and Low-Cost

Running is a low-cost and low-resource sport, making it accessible to girls in underdeveloped countries. Each girl will be provided with the equipment and resources they need to be successful in the sport. However, donations are needed to make this mission a reality.

Support Girls Run Global

If you would like to support the Girls Run Global mission, you can find more information on how to donate here.

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• Beret Leone

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues

   • SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • SDG 4: Quality Education
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   The article highlights the issue of gender inequality and aims to empower girls through running, specifically in underdeveloped countries. This aligns with SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Additionally, the article mentions the significant gender gap in underdeveloped countries, connecting to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries. The focus on running as a means to improve self-esteem, confidence, and well-being relates to SDG 3, which promotes good health and well-being. Furthermore, the mention of partnering with a secondary school in Tanzania highlights the importance of quality education (SDG 4) and the potential for economic growth (SDG 8) through empowering girls.

2. Specific Targets Based on the Article’s Content

   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being
   • Target 4.5: Eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value

   The targets identified are directly related to the issues discussed in the article. Target 5.1 addresses the need to end discrimination against women and girls, which aligns with the goal of Girls Run Global to empower girls through running. Target 5.5 emphasizes the importance of equal opportunities for women’s participation in decision-making processes, including in sports. Target 10.2 focuses on promoting social, economic, and political inclusion for all individuals, regardless of their background or status. Target 3.4 highlights the importance of promoting mental health and well-being, which can be achieved through activities like running. Target 4.5 emphasizes the need to eliminate gender disparities in education, ensuring equal access for all. Finally, Target 8.5 aims to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all individuals, including young people and persons with disabilities.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

   • Number of girls participating in the running team
   • Self-esteem and confidence levels of the girls
   • Access to running equipment and resources
   • Amount of donations received to support the mission

   The article mentions that nearly 70 girls have signed up for the running team, indicating the number of girls participating in the program. The article also highlights the positive impact of running on self-esteem and confidence, which can be used as indicators to measure the program’s effectiveness. Additionally, the article mentions that each girl will be matched with the equipment and resources they need, indicating the importance of access to running equipment and resources as an indicator of progress. Finally, the article mentions the need for donations to support the mission, indicating that the amount of donations received can be used as an indicator of support and progress towards achieving the goals of Girls Run Global.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table