'Cairo Runners' initiative to raise support in fight against gender-based violence

The UN Population Fund in Egypt in collaboration with the National Council for Women and the Ministry of Youth and Sports organised on Friday the first all-women's race in support of ending violence against females.

"Cairo Runners" -- the first street running initiative in the Egyptian capital -- hosted the 8-km race that took place in the Heliopolis district of the Egyptian capital and featured hundreds of runners, Efe news reported.

The winner, Nada Gamaleldin, won the race in 38 minutes and 40 seconds and said on the Cairo Runners Facebook account that "the race was exceptional".

The event was aimed at encouraging women and girls to feel free and comfortable running in public spaces.

The Egyptian Centre for Women's Rights categorized violence against women in the country into four categories: Violence committed by state institutions, domestic violence, female genital mutilation and structural violence.

(With inputs from agencies.)