Dr. Kathleen Ralls Describes the Impact of GGRF’s Programs

In newly published research, Dr. Kathleen Ralls describes the impact of Girls Gotta Run programs, including increased self-confidence, a willingness to ask questions and speak up in school, and a greater likelihood of peer leadership.

During the summer of 2019, Kathleen spent six weeks with Girls Gotta Run program participants for her PhD research, "An Exploration of Girl Athletes' Development of Voice Empowerment in Wolaita Soddo and Bekoji, Ethiopia." She found solid evidence that our Athletic Scholars felt the positive impact of sport on many aspects of their lives, and expressed increased confidence in their professional futures.

Through questionnaires program participants filled out in Amharic, Kathleen found that our Life Skills classes, together with the Running sessions, played an important role in boosting girls' self-esteem. Specifically, she writes that "participants in the program:

• Were more confident asking questions in class, while also feeling encouraged to debate issues;

• Expressed the impact their voices could have on others, citing opportunities to educate and influence other girls and community members;

• Credited sport with improving their brain function in school and in life;

• Believe they can achieve anything through hard work

• Recognize that not all community members share their desire for a more gender equitable society, but this did not seem to deter their confidence in their future selves."

Dr. Ralls' research confirms that the Girls Gotta Run program model is helping these girls succeed against great odds. We are proud of our impact and will continue working hard to grow our programs.

We hope you will continue to support our empowering work! If you would like to learn more, email arbora@girlsgottarun.org for a copy of the research summary or an article published in The International Journal of Sport and Society. You can also buy Kathleen's book, Take Her Word for It at your local bookstore or online.