Running the path to end violence Siem Reap Marathon
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Author: Cristina Barcus
In the shadows of the majestic temples of Angkor Wat, 700 people gathered in Siem Reap for a five-kilometre-run as part of the 16 Days Campaign against Gender Based Violence today.
“I brought all the men from my village to run in this race,” said Sokvuth, who had mobilized young men from his village on the outskirts of Siem Reap. Working in urban parts of Siem Reap, Cambodia, he sees the impact of violence and the importance of speaking out when they witness abuse. “I believe that we have a duty to stop others who use violence, and say this is not okay,” he said.
Sokvuth was one of many committed Cambodians running the race as part of 16 Days 2015 in Siem Reap. In the afternoon glow, the city turned orange as people of all ages and from all walks of life united to raise awareness about the important issue of violence against women. Laughter was contagious as the crowd ran, sprinted, jogged and walked through the leafy streets of Siem Reap together.
“I feel that I should contribute to end violence, and I do that by being here and by running and raising awareness,” Ngoun Sokhom said, adjusting her cap against the sun. She emphasized that a zero-tolerance policy must begin at the grass-roots level. “To end violence we need to start from our family where I need to teach my kids (about not using violence). Because it will affect the next generation,” she said.
The Siem Reap 5K marathon was one of several large-scale events organized in Cambodia during the 16 Days Campaign. “These community events are a great way to engage people of all ages to reflect on the changes that they can make to end violence against women and girls,” UN Women EVAW Programme Manager Lori Mann said.
From 25 November through 10 December, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence aim to raise public awareness and mobilizing people everywhere to bring about change. This year, the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign invited global citizens to “Orange the world,” using the colour designated by the UNiTE campaign to symbolize a brighter future without violence.
“While the 16 Days campaign has ended this year, it is important to continue raising awareness about violence against women and the urgency to end it,” Mann said.
This event was made possible through the generous funding by the Australian Government.