Twelve thousand runners, including cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, will run on August 20 to raise funds to provide sanitary pads to 68,000 underprivileged girls and women, and higher education facilities to 60 girls.
Three categories
The IDBI Mumbai Half Marathon 2017 will begin at 7.30 a.m. from Oval Maidan in Churchgate. Approved by the Athletics Federation of India, the event will have three main categories. The 21.1-kilometre half marathon, with a minimum eligibility age of 18; the 10-kilometre timed run, with a minimum eligibility age of 15; and the five-kilometre heritage run, with a minimum eligibility age of 10.
The run has been organised by NEB Sports in association with Maharashtra Tourism. The event is sponsored by IDBI Federal Life Insurance in partnership with Apnalaya, a non-profit organisation helping marginalised sections of society in M (East) Ward, which comprises Shivaji Nagar and Govandi.
According to NGO Apnalaya, 80% of girls in India are unable to attend school during their period. They are in need of reusable, safe and affordable sanitary pads. The NGO is gathering public support for the promotion of Saafkins – a 12-hour reusable sanitary pad.
A spokesperson for the event said reusable sanitary napkins would allow 68,000 underprivileged girls and women residing in 29 slum clusters to attend school and remain efficient during their period. The registration fees collected will be used for the higher education of 60 girls in M (East) Ward and slums around Shivaji Nagar.
High dropout rate
Surabh Joshi from Apnalaya said, “The drop-out level among girls here is alarmingly high. They don’t get to pursue higher education because they are married off early. We are raising money through this run to provide education to 60 girls in the 14 to 15 age group. We have encouraged every girl in the ward to avail themselves of higher education, but it is their choice.”
The 60 selected girls will create awareness of reusable sanitary napkins among slum dwellers. After their graduation, they will be sent to study at higher education institutions.
