Our Mission…

Since 2006, our programs have used the Ethiopian national sport of running to create safe spaces and supportive social networks that have empowered girls to stay in school, avoid early marriage, and build self-determined futures.

OUR APPROACH…

We use a holistic support model for girls and mothers through running, education, life skills, and economic empowerment.

Where we work…

Our programs are focused in 2 regions of Ethiopia where girls often face challenges accessing and completing secondary education due to early marriage, household responsibilities, and lack of resources. Schools are overcrowded and under-resourced, especially in rural areas. Schools often lack adequate materials and infrastructure like proper bathrooms, teaching staff, and extracurricular programming. Many girls drop out due to economic pressure, domestic roles, or early marriage.

Wolaita Soddo (Southern Ethiopia)

Region: Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR)

Zone: Wolaita Zone

Population: Approx. 150,000+ (urban center)

Language: Wolayttatto (Wolaita language), Amharic

Religion: Predominantly Protestant Christian

Notable Context:

• Soddo is a regional hub for education and healthcare but still experiences economic hardship and gender disparities.

• Gender-based violence and early marriage remain significant risks for adolescent girls.

• GGRF’s self-defense and life skills programs respond directly to the concerns raised by local mothers about their daughters’ safety.

Bekoji (Central Ethiopia)

Region: Oromia Region

Zone: Arsi Zone

Population: Approx. 20,000–25,000 

Language: Afaan Oromo (primary), Amharic

Religion: Mix of Orthodox Christian, Muslim, and Protestant

Notable Context:

• Known as the “Town of Runners” – hometown of Olympic champions like Derartu Tulu, Kenenisa Bekele, and Tirunesh Dibaba.

• Strong cultural legacy of athletics but girls still face barriers to participating fully in sports and education.

• GGRF’s programming taps into the cultural significance of running to keep girls in school and build their confidence.

Diborah and Yeabsira:

From Scholars to Trailblazers

Diborah and Yeabsira, two of our standout alumni, joined Girls Gotta Run at just 12 years old. Both came from single-parent households: Diborah, the youngest of 11 siblings, and Yeabsira, the eldest of four, often stepping up to support her mother.

Through their participation in the GGRF Athletic Scholarship Program, we witnessed both girls grow into confident leaders, speaking up in class, taking initiative in their communities, and steadily rising to the top of their academic cohorts. Their determination paid off! They each earned exceptional scores on Ethiopia’s national college entrance exam, with Diborah achieving one of the highest scores among all girls in Soddo.

Today, both young women are attending Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia’s most prestigious institution, becoming the first in their families to go to college.

Their stories are powerful reminders of the generational impact of investing in girls. With targeted, holistic support, girls like Diborah and Yeabsira are not only unlocking their full potential—they are transforming the future of their families and communities.

 Mimi, Ebise, and Sifan:

Government Camp Recruits!

Mimi Gemachew, Ebise Marega, and Sifan Negusse were selected for government camp at the Deratu Tulu Sport Academy, a huge honor and well deserved recognition of their hard work!

They stay in dormitories and continue their education while gaining access to high-level training, teaching, research, study rooms, a modern gym, and a hall that can accommodate 5200 spectators!

They return to Bekoji for school breaks where they can stay in touch and visit with their families, and the girls and coaches in the Girls Gotta Run program. We are so proud of Mimi, Sifan and Ebise continuing to grow their goals and live their dream!