Why we support Girls Gotta Run Foundation?

Ethiopia is commonly accepted as the birthplace of coffee and it is one of the current key coffee producing countries featuring heavily on our offering. We can’t imagine a world without Ethiopian coffee and want to support the communities who produce it. Unfortunately, gender inequality and discrimination against girls is a problem in Ethiopian, particularly in rural communities.

As UNICEF reports: “As the second most populous country in Africa and one of the fastest growing economies on the continent, Ethiopia is on track to bring millions out of poverty. This path requires an equity approach to ensure the most vulnerable populations receive the support required to participate in thecountry’s growth. Among these, adolescent girls face some of the hardest challenges, from child marriage, to high dropout rates in school, to gender-based violence, to limited opportunity to realize their rights. If Ethiopia is to reach its goal of becoming a middle income country by 2025, strong investments must be given to women and girls who constitute half of the population and potential working force – so that they are given the opportunity to contribute to the development and success of Ethiopia.

From Girls Gotta Run:

Why invest in Girls?

“Investing in girls is the most powerful investment for development.” United Nations Department of Economics & Social Affairs

95% of girls begin their education but only 10% complete through 12th grade. Girls Gotta Run are on a mission to change that and help girls and women design a future of their own choosing.

How Do We Help Girls Design Futures of Their Choosing?

Girls Gotta Run is the only non-profit organization in Ethiopia dedicated to using the national sport of running as an innovative approach to creating safe spaces and expanding access to secondary school for vulnerable girls. The Girls Gotta Run Athletic Scholarship Program integrates education, athletics, life skills, and savings and entrepreneurship to invest in women and girls in Ethiopia.