Empowering Women joins sixth annual Global 5K Walk

On Oct. 5, Empowering Women NFP participated in the sixth annual Global 5K Walk which took place in 36 other cities across the world. The walk on that sunny Sunday morning at Mallard Lake in Hanover Park was both a moment and a message.

Survivors, relatives, allies, and advocates came together for the event, which took place during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, to walk in support of individuals who have survived, are recovering, and are still figuring things out. Together with virtual walkers from all over the world, more than 150 participants came together in person with the common goal of opposing gender-based and domestic violence.

As a grounding and preparation exercise, the day started with gentle yoga and stretching. Following the stroll, the park was filled with fun activities and kids got creative tattoos. Coffee, tea, bananas, doughnuts, samosas, and custom-made energy drinks were piled high on tables.

Arshia Hasnain, Empowering Women’s founder and executive director, recognized the sponsors and partners who enabled this work and announced the 5K winners.

Board chair Farvah Lakhani spoke about the trauma-informed workforce development programs which assist survivors in regaining their independence, acquiring new skills, and obtaining jobs. Currently, these initiatives are available for underprivileged communities in Maine Township, Rogers Park, Albany Park, Pilsen, and the South Side of Chicago.

“Today, every action we take is a step closer to recovery. The hush is broken by each and every voice that is raised,” Arshia Hasnain said. “And everyone here is a part of a powerful ripple effect that stretches well beyond this park.”

Empowering Women is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Chicago that is dedicated to helping survivors of gender-based and domestic violence, particularly in communities of color. It assists survivors in rebuilding their lives with dignity and strength by providing a variety of services, including emotional, legal, life-skills, and employment support. Every service is attentive to cultural differences and trauma.

The group also seeks to eradicate systematic oppression, racism, elder abuse, child abuse, and other wider social problems that are caused by domestic violence. Visit ewnfp.org to learn more. Follow on Instagram and Facebook.