Last year, driven by her passion and commitment to feminist peace, Daniela Philipson Garcia (Young WILPF, WILPF Australia/Mexico) became a Free to Run Ambassador. Free to Run is a non-profit organisation that promotes leadership and well-being among women and girls through outdoor sports, working to address gender inequalities in conflict areas. As part of her role, Daniela is training for the Berlin Marathon while raising funds for the organisation. Her younger sister, Nicole, has also joined as a Free to Run Ambassador and together, they aim to raise $8000 USD as they prepare for their first-ever marathon.
Why is running important to you?
Growing up in Mexico City, I was taught that going out alone was dangerous. In my research into the gendered effects of Mexico’s so-called war on drugs, I also found that most Mexican women don’t feel safe walking on the streets, especially at night. The militarisation and masculinisation of public spaces have further increased women’s perception of insecurity, particularly in the streets and on public transport. When I asked my friends what safety means to them, most replied, “Walking on the streets anytime I want without feeling at risk.”
However, through my research, I also found that several feminist and women’s collectives are organising to occupy plazas and roads to challenge the militarisation and masculinisation of public spaces. For example, more Mexican women are creating feminist cycling and running clubs. These activities not only make them feel physically stronger but also serve as everyday reminders that they have a right to occupy and use public spaces while demanding their safety. Running, for me, has become an invaluable and deeply meaningful way of taking up space and ‘exercising’ (pun intended) my rights. When I run, I feel free, safe and strong.
How did you turn running into a form of activism in your life?
Doing a PhD is always daunting. However, doing a PhD on gender, security and conflict has been particularly frustrating because we are experiencing a significant shift away from the feminist future I strive for. Not only are global politics increasingly being dominated by autocratic ‘strong men,’ but militarisation and armed conflicts are also on the rise.
Yet, it is precisely during these challenging times that I believe researching and advocating for feminist peace is more important than ever. This has strengthened my commitment to fostering community-building and transforming everyday activities into acts of resistance. By being part of Free to Run’s community of athletes, I have had the opportunity to connect with like-minded people from around the world. It has been particularly inspiring to be part of a global team of individuals, all of whom are transforming running into an everyday act of resistance in support of peace and gender equality. Running alongside my sister has made it even more symbolic and special.
Now, every day, when I train, I am motivated and reminded that I am not alone in the struggle for feminist peace and that the combination of small, everyday acts is greater than the sum of its parts.
How can running help promote gender equality?
Running and practicing outdoor activities are not only an end in itself but a means to support the leadership, agency and health of women and girls. Practicing sports develops girls’ and women’s leadership skills and agency, advancing gender equality in their communities. Studies also show that gender equality is a driver of more stable and safe societies. Thus, Free to Run’s theory of change holds that women’s participation in sports is a powerful tool for change in support of a more equitable and peaceful world.
How does Free to Run assess its impact?
Free to Run uses rigorous monitoring and evaluation tools to document its impact. In 2023, they trained and worked with over 800 women and girls, organised more than 500 running sessions and held 75 community engagement events. As a result, 80% of their participants said they consider themselves to be leaders in their community and 30% said they believe they can make a difference in the world, relative to 16% of what participants said at the start of the program. In December 2024, 50 Free to Run participants ran the Erbil half marathon in Iraq. Two of their participants, Rahaf and Dima, finished in 4th and 5th place overall. To read more about Free to Run’s participants and their stories, click here.
How can we support you and your sister in raising funds?
To support us you can donate to our fundraising efforts by making a contribution using this link (at the time this article was written, we have only raised $1200 of our $8000 goal). You can also follow our marathon journey on Instagram at @philipsonsisters. In this way, all WILPF members will be able to take part in this project and follow our run for women’s rights!
Sadly, in 2021, Free to Run lost a significant amount of funding due to the United States’ evacuation from Afghanistan, where it led most of its programs and the Taliban takeover. Since then, approximately 22% of its funding comes from its marathon Ambassador programs. They organise two marathon fundraising efforts each year for the New York City and Berlin marathons. Every donation, no matter the amount, goes a long way!
