From New York to Liverpool, women from all walks of life are becoming part of a community encouraging exercise and friendship in a safe space.
The Girls Who Walk initiative is designed spoecifically for groups of women to combat loneliness and promote physical activity. It’s popularity is seeing women across the world taking to the streets.
Founder of the group Becca Abe took inspiration from Girls Who Walk Manchester and set up the group in her own city. Becca knows first hand how hard it can be making friends in a new city after moving from Ireland to Liverpool six years ago. Her goal was to create a group that paired both exercise and community.
Becca told MerseySportLive: “It’s a group for girls to meet in an outdoor place and connect with like-minded people, somewhere away from alcohol. “I know how lonely it can be in a city where you have no family and maybe no friends, so I wanted to create a safe space for girls to come.”
The initiative that runs in several locations across the world encourages girls to engage in physical activity whilst becoming involved in a community of other women.
Said Becca: “I went to one of these events in Manchester and met the founder of that one, Ella.
“It was difficult going over to Manchester every month so I spoke to Ella and asked her if I could set up a Liverpool one and she was happy for me to do that. There is nothing like this around that is bringing girls together.”
Becca has seen the demand for Girls Who Walk Liverpool grow since the first event and the group has attracted thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok.
@girlswhowalklvpl such a successful third walk today <3 thank you to everyone who joined us ⭐️ #fyp #girlswhowalkliverpool
“The first event went really well, there were around 25 people which was a good number to start with,” said Becca.
“Since then we have had higher numbers turn up each time so it’s been successful, and the demand is there. People found us on Instagram and TikTok and wanted to get involved.”
As the city welcomed back thousands of students for a new academic year, Becca was ensuring there were events away from the drinking culture and nightlife in Liverpool. She highlighted the benefits a short walk can have for wellbeing and your mental health.
“It’s so important to have events away from drinking. Going to university in the city does encourage drinking and that isn’t always for everyone. It’s good for people’s mental health to try something different.”
Girls Who Walk aren’t stopping with their monthly walks either. Becca was adamant she would create a permanent space for the community. The Liverpool branch currently holds one monthly walk and second midweek walk is now in the pipeline to ensure everyone is able to attend.
The group recently announced they have partnered with EPOWAR, a revolutionary women’s safety app to host a night of empowerment and celebration. The group night walk will take place on December 7 and is free to join.
Upcoming dates for Girls Who Walk Liverpool can be found on their Instagram and TikTok
