Monday November 25th, is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
On this global day of action, hundreds of Olympians and world-class athletes, including tennis star Coco Gauff, have united to launch 1in3, a global movement to end gender-based violence.
The initiative aims to raise awareness, demand action, and honour the lives of female athletes lost to violence. Born from heartbreak, 1in3 was created after the brutal murder of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei. Cheptegei, who after placing 44th in the women’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, returned home and was doused in petrol and set on fire by her former partner in front of her children.
She is the third female athlete in Kenya since 2021 to suffer a violent death at the hands of an intimate partner. Agnes Tirop and Damaris Muthee also lost their lives to domestic violence in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Despite public outcry, justice has yet to be served, highlighting a systemic failure to protect female athletes.
According to the United Nations, one in three women worldwide experiences violence, and every 10 minutes, a woman is killed by an intimate partner. These devastating statistics underscore the need for urgent action. Through its partnerships and athlete-led voices, 1in3 aims to drive meaningful change and reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence globally.
Joan Chelimo, Kenyan Runner, friend of Agnes Tirop, and Co-Founder of Tirop’s Angels, said: “Rebecca’s murder is a stark reminder that women, even those who have achieved incredible things on the world stage, are not immune to the dangers of gender-based violence. Rebecca reported the abuse, yet no action was taken—this is unacceptable. It’s time for our leaders to prioritise the safety of women and children, and to confront the harmful beliefs that perpetuate this violence. As athletes, we must use our voices not just to honour those we’ve lost, like Rebecca, but to demand change for all women. People should not fear for their lives because they dare to live independently, to be fulfilled and free.”
World Number 3-ranked tennis player Coco Gauff, who won the season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, said: “As an athlete, I truly believe sport has been and continues to be a way to reach the masses and promote positive influences throughout our world. The 1in3 movement unites us to advocate for change for all women and girls everywhere.”
While the root causes of gender-based violence are nuanced and complex, research suggests that certain interventions, such as mass media campaigns and community-based programs, can contribute to effective prevention and mitigation. Athletes, with their unique social influence, can play a valuable role in amplifying these efforts and promoting positive social change.
The first phase of the 1in3 movement begins with a mass media campaign in Uganda, launched today. In collaboration with Reach a Hand Uganda and the Ugandan Athletes’ Commission, this campaign leverages athletes’ voices to challenge harmful attitudes and inspire change. 1in3 will expand globally in 2025 with campaigns tailored to local contexts, using the momentum to create safer environments for women and drive legislative reforms.
To ensure the movement’s success, an Athlete Council has been formed, featuring prominent athletes and experts in gender-based violence from a range of disciplines and regions around the world. A member of the council, Marcus Daniell, ATP Tennis Professional, Co-Founder of High Impact Athletes, and IOC Athletes’ Commission Member, said: “This movement is about athletes and Olympians coming together to use our platforms for good. By partnering with charities on the front lines, we can make a tangible impact and honour the lives of Rebecca, Agnes, and Damaris. It’s time for all of us to step up.”
To join the movement, visit 1in3.org and learn more about how to get involved.
Image Credit: Imagecomms
