3rd. World March for Peace and NonViolence: Solidarity Run against Gender Based Violence

On November 24th, a group of Icelanders embarked on a journey from Iceland to participate in the 3rd World March for Peace and NonViolence event in Kenya and Tanzania. The theme of this event was Solidarity Run Against Gender-Based Violence. The events took place in the following places and number of people at each place was 200 to 400. Kenya, November 26th. Nairobi; November 28th. Kisumu, November 30th., Mwanza.  The fourth Run is scheduled in Iceland on December 10th

KENYA. Nairobi. The first run took place in Nairobi, at Graduation Point at the University of Nairobi. Among the attendees were renowned runner and UN Peace Ambassador Tegla Loroupe, two Kenyan parliamentarians, and activist-musician Tracey Kadada. The event garnered national attention, with coverage on television, including interviews with Mrs. Loroupe and one of the parliamentarians. Numerous organizations joined the event, and ten Icelanders participated in the run—eight from the traveling group and two already residing in Nairobi. In the beginning, the group marched with a brass band setting the rythm and after the Run, the program concluded with music and dance performances.

KENYA. Kisumu. The second run was held in Kisumu, Kenya, in the Manyatta district. The day before the event, the Icelandic group met with local county officials working on gender-based violence issues to discuss pressing challenges. The run began early the next morning, accompanied by a marching band. The route passed through one of Kisumu’s poorest areas, heavily suffered by gender-based violence, and concluded at a school. Our partners there saw a reason to have armed police, which was a bit strange experience in a event that is a part of a peace project. There, a program of speeches, dances, and songs took place. The Icelandic group also played a football match against Survivors—a team of individuals who have experienced gender-based violence. The match ended in a draw. The group also formed a big peace-sign. Couple of radio stations came and interviewed participants.

TANZANIA. Mwanza. The third run was organized in a small village near Mwanza, Tanzania, where couple of hundred locals joined the Icelanders, singing, dancing, and clapping along the route. The event was a part of a bigger, 3 days event, where thousands of people and several local organizations participated. After the run, the program featured speeches, traditional dances, and performances involving large snakes. Several organisations involved in GBV-issues participated.

The events quite different in many ways, but in all there was everywhere a great spirit of solidarity and joy, even though the occasion is not a happy one. We would like go give our thanks to all that contributed to make this a successful and memorable event, whether as individuals or organisations.

The fourth Unity Run for Peace and NonViolence is scheduled in Laugardalur,  Iceland on December 10th, with the participation of the famous runner and the United Nations Ambassador for Peace Tegla Loroupe.

Base Team 3rd World March for Peace and Nonviolence Iceland