SheRACES and Chennai Runners are delighted to announce a partnership to bring the SheRACES guidelines to India and make more sporting events inclusive of women.
To celebrate the launch, 300 women from all areas of Chennai came together to run a relay marathon starting at 3am and ending in a shared breakfast.
SheRACES is a research and advocacy organisation, originally founded in the UK, which supports events to remove barriers for female participants. We believe that crossing a finish line can change a woman’s life, giving her confidence and joy, as well as improving physical health.
However there are many barriers in the way to participation. Some are societal, such as finding time to train alongside caring responsibilities. Others can be removed by event organisers, such as by providing sufficient toilet facilities with period products and ensuring a welcoming and safe environment on course.
SheRACES has conducted detailed research into these barriers and developed guidelines for events to be more inclusive of women, which Chennai Marathon was the first race in India to adopt. Trail Femmes, in Delhi-NCR, and Malnad Ultra, in the Malnad region of South India, have now also incorporated the guidelines. Races across the world that have made these small changes have seen increased female participation, as well as more positive race experiences for women.
The team at Chennai Runners will cover all logistical and operational needs of the partnership, including supporting mass participation events across India to adopt the guidelines and become accredited.
They will be supported by the central SheRACES team with updated research, best practice, and additional marketing and advisory support for accredited races.
Key guidelines:
Inclusive imagery and marketing
Free 2-year pregnancy deferrals
Female-fit t-shirts
Female-only toilet provision with period products (and changing for longer races)
Anti-harassment policy, communicated to all participants and volunteers
Equal prize money, coverage and celebration of the female race
Logistical information and policies available on the website
Survey after each race to ask for improvements
Sophie Power, Founder of SheRACES said: “We are excited to partner with Chennai Runners and together drive positive change for women in sport across India. We believe finish lines change lives and by working together we can actively support more women to cross them."
To donate to SheRACES and support its work, please click here.
For events based in India to find out more about becoming a SheRACES Accredited event, email india@sheraces.com
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