In a tremendous display of youth activism, YoungShip Sri Lanka organized ‘YoungShip-WISTA Run For Her 2024’; an event in line with International Women’s Day, shining light on the pressing issues of inadequate menstrual hygiene and period poverty in Sri Lanka. The event took place on 03rd of March 2024 at Independence Square, bringing together over 250 participants who took part in the charity run as a call to address the fundamental rights of girls and women in rural parts of the country. The event comprised a 5km Run for Men and Women, a two-person 5km relay, and a kid’s run.

Period poverty, the inability to access sanitary products, and proper menstrual hygiene management due to financial constraints, is a pressing concern faced by millions of women worldwide. As a result of Sri Lanka’s socio-economic inequalities, many women and girls in the country still grapple with the stigma, shame, and practical challenges associated with menstruation and obtaining the right hygienic products.

‘Run For Her’ 2024 brought together several organisations that showcased their shared concern for this cause and fostered a sense of unity and purpose across several industries. The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Sri Lanka joined hands with YoungShip Sri Lanka as the Title Sponsor for the event.

Silver sponsors included Fairway Colombo and Meridian Maritime Services, while Advantis and Cargills Food City showcased their support as the event’s bronze sponsors.

Other partners for the event included;

  • Product Sponsor – Femography by MAS
  • Medical Partner – Melsta Hospitals
  • Fitness Partner – TASS
  • Hydration Partner – Redbull
  • Radio Partner – Fox Radio
  • Outdoor Media Partner – Emerging Media
  • Waste Management Partner – Encare
  • Online Shopping Partner – Daraz.lk
  • Venue Partner – CR&FC
  • Food Partners – Susiko, Maggi
  • Gift Sponsors – 4Planet, VOSKOM, Thyaga, Serenity, PowerCrunch, AdamExpo
  • Partner Associations – Old Thomians Swimming Club, Women in Management
  • Other partners – Aquafine, pulse.lk
  • Event Designer – G360

As participants crossed the finish line and reflected on the significance of their collective efforts, ‘YoungShip-Wista Run For Her’ left a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of all involved. It served as a testament to the power of youth leadership in driving positive change in the country and empowering the future.

As a thank you for their endeavor, all participants received tokens of appreciation from the event’s gift sponsors; in addition to a finisher’s medal and certificate. The first 10 male and female runners, winners of the relays, and all participants of the kids events were commemorated, along with unique prizes for the event’s last finisher, oldest participant, 100th registrant, and many more. As a special gesture to all women participants, Femography by MAS donated samples of their latest menstruation product to hallmark the event.

In further commemoration of Women’s Day, YoungShip Sri Lanka also set up a Donation Booth for the collection of funds and sanitary products. Proceeds from the event will be used to organise workshops covering all aspects of menstrual education and carry out projects in distributing sanitary products to rural communitues in the country throughout the year ahead.

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