Hundreds of participants, families, and supporters gathered at Independence Square on May 18 for “Run for HER,” an initiative by YoungShip Sri Lanka to make a statement on empowerment and social change.
Organised by YoungShip Sri Lanka, the local chapter of YoungShip International, the event aimed to spotlight the need for sustained support for women in rural communities.
YoungShip Sri Lanka is a non-profit association and one of 40 global chapters under YoungShip International, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with over 5,000 members worldwide. Representing the youth of the maritime and logistics sector, the organisation is committed to knowledge-sharing, sustainability, operational excellence, and creating platforms for the next generation of professionals to empower the emerging maritime professionals of tomorrow.
“Run For HER 2025” focused on entrepreneurship, health education, and overcoming gender-based barriers to progress. The event also highlighted the contributions of women in the maritime sector — from engineers and captains to port workers and decision-makers.
The morning kicked off with a Duathlon; a relatively novel concept for Sri Lanka, which welcomed solo athletes and three-person teams to test their stamina. This was followed by a 5 km run/walk/stroll and a 1 km children’s race.
A spokesman for the organisers said, “This event showcased the power of simply showing up for each other, for the cause, and for HER. Hats off to everyone who braved the weather. It was a true testament to the strength of community, and the role of sport in driving social change. We are proud to stand with women, to champion their success, and to inspire a new generation to break barriers.”
All proceeds from “Run for HER” will directly support programs aimed at helping poor women in rural areas. These include initiatives that promote female entrepreneurship, provide training opportunities, and confront social stigmas surrounding women’s health.
