Steps Against Violence
Wilmington UN Women Walk takes place Sunday
Supporters of United Nations programs that seek to stop gender-based violence will take to the paths at Hugh MacRae Park on Sunday.
The Wilmington UN Walk to End Violence Against Women and Girls is part of a series of similar walks taking place across the country.
This year is the sixth year for the Wilmington event, says Rachel Fox, who spearheads the local offshoot of the state North Carolina US National Committee for UN Women group that focuses specifically on UN initiatives for women and girls.
"This is my fifth year on the USNC UN Women Walk committee and my first year as the chair," Fox says. "The planning for this event is always uplifting because it is a group compassionate individuals who are dedicated to making the world a better place. When I read headline stories of hundreds of school girls abducted to be wives of soldiers, the culture of campus sexual assault, and victims right here in our community being forced into modern-day slavery, I know that I have to do my part to end it."
Besides raising awareness of the global issue of gender-based violence, the walk also raises money for the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women. The fund has awarded grants around the world and has given out $103 million in nearly 140 countries, according to the organization.
"Grantees continue to show that with social and political will and adequate resources, a world without violence against women and girls could be just a generation away," Fox says.
Registration starts at noon, and a warm-up kicks-off at 1 p.m. A 3K fun run at 1:15 p.m., with a half-mile “awareness loop” at 1:20 p.m. Music and giveaways are scheduled after the walk at 2 p.m.
There also will be info booths, face painting, Zumba moves and poster making activities, Fox says.
The meeting point is the park’s No. 4 shelter, and the on-site registration fee is $25, with children under 12 participating for free.
Fox also says that the local group, which reorganized last year, is looking to add more leaders.
“The North Carolina US National Committee for UN Women is looking to expand its presence in the state to be a leader in advocating for women’s rights, gender equality, and empowerment of women and girls around the world,” she says. “We are looking for an additional four to five board members for the Wilmington area.”
Those interested, Fox says, can email her at rachelfox.onewilmington@gmail.com.
