Fitness is a cornerstone of resilience, confidence, and community—yet, for many adolescent
Girls in India, it remains a luxury rather than a norm. In rural areas especially, where societal
expectations prioritize academics and traditional gender roles, fitness often takes a back seat.
At SwaTaleem, we are rewriting this narrative through our #RunToFly program, which
empowers rural Girls by introducing fitness as a tool for personal and social transformation.
Fitness isn’t just about sports or competition. It’s about movement, participation, and fostering
mental and physical well-being. Unlike conventional narratives about sports that glorify winning
medals and trophies, SwaTaleem focuses on inclusivity—ensuring that every Girl can
experience the joy of movement, regardless of her abilities or background. This approach
nurtures confidence and builds community, proving that fitness is about more than just winning;
it’s about thriving.
Fitness plays a pivotal role in shaping self-confidence, especially for adolescent Girls. It helps
them build a healthy relationship with their bodies and provides long-term physical and mental
health benefits. Running, for instance, teaches discipline, resilience, and self-belief—qualities
that extend far beyond the track. For the Girls in SwaTaleem’s #RunToFly program, every step
is a step toward breaking stereotypes and redefining their futures.

Challenges for Rural Girls in Haryana
In Haryana, societal and cultural barriers often limit opportunities for Girls, particularly in
education and fitness. With a deeply ingrained preference for academics over sports, fitness is
rarely considered a priority. Compounding this are broader societal issues like the stigma
around female participation in physical activities and the state’s history of gender disparity. Haryana has one of the highest rates of female foeticide and a sex ratio of 834 females per 1,000 males (as per Census 2011). Yet, Haryana is paradoxically home to India’s first Gold Medalists in Wrestling (a primarily male-
dominated sport), the Phogat sisters. This contrast highlights the untapped potential of Girls like
those in SwaTaleem’s program, who lack access to resources but brim with determination.
Imagine what could be achieved if the same focus and investment were directed toward these
Girls.

Fitness is Ageless:

Molly Sheridan’s Story Molly Sheridan, an ultra-marathon runner who started her marathoning journey at 50, embodies the transformative power of fitness. Her story proves that it’s never too late to embrace movement and its benefits. Molly’s passion now extends to supporting SwaTaleem’s #RunToFly
program, bringing global attention to the incredible potential of rural Girls. In just 4 weeks, Molly is participating in the World Marathon Challenge where she will run 7 marathons in 7 days across 7 continents. Through this initiative, Molly is inspiring and empowering a whole new generation.

Overcoming Barriers:

Salwars, Flip-Flops, and Determination In our #RunToFly program, the Girls are not just running but they’re breaking barriers, rewriting narratives, and dreaming of a brighter future. For the first time in May 2024, 24 Girls from our
program participated in the government district running competition with 11 Girls securing first, second and third positions. Their determination to run despite a lack of running gear is a
testament to their resilience.

Join the Movement:

Help These Girls Fly The #RunToFly movement isn’t just about running—it’s about empowering Girls to break free from societal limitations and soar toward their dreams. Your support can help transform a run into a flight, ensuring better futures for these incredible young women. Donate to the #RunToFly program today and join our mission to ensure every Girl has the opportunity to thrive.

About the Author:

Sharvaani Sharvaani currently consults with SwaTaleem as a social media and communications volunteer.
She comes with over a decade of experience in content creation and social media marketing.
She is a Cardiff University Media MBA Graduate and has also volunteered for organizations such as ActionAid India.