Women Like Us Walking Challenge
Celebrating women and girls across Essex
In honour of International Women’s Day, This Girl Can Essex celebrated ambassadors and women from across the county through the Women Like Us step challenge, during National Walking Day. The challenge aimed to inspire women to increase their steps, explore local green and blue spaces and socialise with others.
The two-week challenge encouraged teams of up to five participants to organise face-to-face walks or runs, fostering community and movement. This Girl Can Essex, an extension of the national This Girl Can campaign, sought to inspire women in Essex, Southend, and Thurrock to get moving, regardless of shape, size, or ability.
The Federation of Essex Women’s Institutes (EWI) supported the event, emphasising their commitment to women and girls. Participants used the Big Team Challenge app, which featured a virtual route starting in Budapest and passing through four beautiful countries to the shores of the Mediterranean. This route inspired nearly 400 women to increase their daily step count and participate in local walks, with This Girl Can Essex ambassadors leading the way.
Nearly 68 million steps were walked across the two-week challenge and 39 trees were planted through Ecologi, with one tree planted for every 10 active participants.
The This Girl Can Essex step challenge successfully encouraged women to engage in physical activity, explore local spaces, and build community connections. The event's positive outcomes and participant feedback highlight the importance of initiatives like This Girl Can in promoting health and well-being among women.
