Sine Qua Non Run: The French Movement Breaking Down Barriers for Women Runners
Sine Qua Non is a French movement founded by three women that uses sport to challenge gender-based violence and strengthen women’s freedom to be active in public space. Through running events, community activities, and public campaigns, it raises awareness of the barriers women face and mobilizes people to help create safer, more equal environments.
Founded in Paris, the movement has expanded across France and internationally with support from UN Women and public authorities.
What you should know:
Each year for eight years, Sine Qua Non organizes the Sine Qua Non Run in Paris, a 6km or 10km race open to everyone. Traditionally, all profit goes to initiatives and organizations that help fight violence against women and girls.
In 2025, Sine Qua Non Run co-organized the seventh edition of Run for Equality with UNESCO, drawing over 6,000 runners in Paris and 65,000 virtual participants from 25 countries, highlighting the need for safer spaces for women and girls in sport and public life.
Sine Qua Non has launched a nationwide citizens' consultation called Les bruits qui courent, structured around three stages - Name it, Share it, Change it - to better understand what prevents women from exercising outdoors freely and safely. The goal is to collect 10,000 representative responses from women across all sports, with the findings shaping an official report and an action plan with concrete commitments from local authorities.
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