A race was held in Banja Luka at the end of November 2024 on the International Day Against Violence Against Women, also known as Orange Day. On this occasion, 400 participants showed unity in the fight against gender-based violence.
“With this race, we wanted to send a message that only by working together and recognizing this problem can we fight against it. Our goal was to send a strong message through 16 days of activism and to support the fight against violence against women,” said Sonja Kavaz, project coordinator at the Perpetuum Mobile Institute for Youth and Community Development.
The 16 Days of Activism Global Campaign is an international campaign to combat violence against women and girls and is held every year in late November. As part of the campaign, a race was held in Banja Luka, organized by Perpetuum Mobile and young people from the local Budi Muško Klub, who recognize the seriousness of this problem in society.
Kavaz explained that young people played a major role in the organization of the race, from its planning to its realization. On the day of the event, volunteers set up educational stands and prepared promotional materials for citizens and runners.
“Young people were actually our biggest supporters and helpers in organizing this event as well as possible, and they really undertook a large part of the arrangements,” Kavaz added.
About 400 participants, including professional runners, recreational athletes, and citizens, gathered in the Mladen Stojanović park, which was painted orange for the occasion.
“The race is well organized, and I’m honored to be a part of this story. Today we send a powerful message that women around the world are not alone,” said Mia Selena Lerch, one of the race participants.
Despite the cold, snow, and poor weather conditions, the runners ran the route with determination. At the end of the race, the sun shone on the park, enlivening the atmosphere for visitors.
The organizers expressed their desire to make this event a lasting tradition.
“We would like this event to become a tradition. I would like to tell women who are experiencing violence that they are not alone and to encourage them to report violence. To young people, be proactive. Show by example how we should behave and get involved in various activities to contribute to the reduction of gender-based violence,” concluded Kavaz.
