Our bodies, our choices

In October 2018, when a group of women in Delhi ran in their sports bras to reclaim their bodies, Mihira could hear their message - 'our bodies, our choice'. This is what got Mihira Appnender thinking about gender norms and the need for change. And she decided it was time to bring the storm to Hyderabad.

Having been involved with sports all her life, she believes the power of sports as a medium of change. Thus, came about the Freedom 10k in November 2018, empowered by three amazing women who decided to shed their fears and run in their sports bras. This year, three grew to 12 bold and beautiful women, to celebrate and reclaim their bodies with "My Bojja (paunch) My Rules".

With an inspiring art installation from Hoozinc, Hyderabad's infamous art & design studio, the energy in the air was palpable. "We're proud to be supporting Mihira's endeavour to create awareness about body positivity and work towards women's rights to make their own rules for their own bodies," says Chandni Mathur, Co-Founder of Hoozinc - who not just made fabulous art but ran alongside the women.

The interactive installation was completed by powerful body positive stickers handed out to various women participating who wrote their truths. The ladies were also supported by the Hemp Republic, with 100% hemp badass bandanas to keep the runners fresh and fierce.

The small group of women ran to make one statement – 'Round, thin, tall, short. Stretchmarks, warts, paunch and all - celebrate the beauty of nature that you are a part of and embrace yourself.

If the future is female, it's coming in all shapes and sizes!

WE WANT to make our own rules for our own bodies,

WE KNOW that loving our bodies happens through acceptance & self-care

WE NEED to create a dialogue about our safety!

WE BELIEVE that women supporting women is the most powerful way to go about this!

Picture courtesy – Farhan Ahmed