Right To Movement

Have you ever ran for a cause? If not, It is worth trying. Right to Movement (RTM) is a global running community with runners and established communities all over the world running for the basic human right to freedom of movement. I am honored to be part of this community. We believe in the basic human right of Freedom of Movement. We believe that everyone, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status, have the freedom of movement. We also believe that the world needs more cultural bridges and fewer discriminatory walls to enable free movement. Movement of people, movement of property, movement of ideas, and movement of stories. We believe storytelling is the most powerful tool in the world and the world needs new real stories.

The movement was launched in Palestine. It aims to bring awareness about the Palestinian cause through telling a different story about Palestine. As it creates a platform for Palestinians to tell their story. Furthermore, this movement is inclusive and aims to empower women through creating a proper atmosphere for Palestinian women to run and manifest their human rights. In Palestine, the culture of running outdoors did not exist and especially for women. However, RTM was successful with spreading this sport. Additionally, RTM launched the Palestinian marathon in 2013 at Bethlehem. Runners from more than 60 countries have been running the Palestinian marathon. The number of women running in the Palestinian marathon is 46% of total participants.

RTM tackles social and political structures and advocates for human rights. One of the unique aspects of this movement is the growing participation of women. Women started to feel empowered and capable to express themselves in many social- political levels. This grass-root movement was strongly supported by the social media platforms. Through social media, communities who are not able to meet physically due to the political limitations in Palestine got connected. We are all running for the same causes in Gaza, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and many other cities in Palestine and around the world. In addition, we have presented Palestine in international races. This campaign empowered women and supported them to speak up, to take action, and to follow their passion.  

  (The pictures are from the Palestinian marathon. We can see the runners running near the Israeli illegal apartheid wall as it cuts through the city of Bethlehem. The route of the marathon represents the daily life of in Palestine and the limitations on movement.)

           This year during February, the first Right to Movement ZANZI HALF filled the streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar. A race to highlight gender equality and women's rights. People came from all over the Tanzanian archipelago, East Africa and the world. And amazingly: 54% of all runners were women! Elite athletes, first time runners, children and tourists all pushed through the morning heat in bright colors and hit the finish line before the sun was too high in the sky. 

 To conclude, RTM is a Palestinian grassroots initiative that runs for the basic human right to freedom of movement and for women empowerment. I find this movement applies GAD through engaging the local community and empowering women through sports.