Nearly 2,500 Runners Joined “Run for Girls! 2025” to Help Girls in Nepal Break Free from Human Trafficking

Nearly 2,500 runners joined the race to advocate for girls’ rights in developing countries, empowering them to break free from the grip of human trafficking.

“Run for Girls!”2025, co-organised by Plan International Hong Kong and women’s lifestyle magazine Cosmopolitan HK, was successfully held on 5 April. Starting from the Hong Kong Science Park, this year’s event drew nearly 2,500 passionate runners who took part in the 10km, 3km, and 1km races—setting a new record for participation.

Human trafficking is a prevalent crisis in developing countries. Millions of children and girls are vulnerable to human trafficking due to poverty and a lack of awareness. Victims are forced to separate from their families, and deprived of educational opportunities, youth, and freedom, many even face unbearable circumstances such as forced labour, violence, and sexual exploitation.

This year’s theme, “Break Free from Human Trafficking, Let Girls Run to a Bright Future,” aimed to unite efforts to raise funds for Plan International’s anti-human trafficking project in Nepal, helping more vulnerable girls break free from trafficking.

We were honoured to have Ms. LAM Mei-sau, Linda, SBS, Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, officiate the opening ceremony as our guest of honour. Ms. June Leung, Board Chair, Mr. Andrew Weir, Mr. BC Lo, Dr. Sandra Tsang, Mr. Jerry Chan, Ms. Sylvene Fong, Board Members, Dr. Kanie Siu, Chief Executive Officer of Plan International Hong Kong; Ms. Jennifer Tsang, Senior Vice President of SCMP Hearst Publications Limited; and Ms. Sally Tse, Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan HK.

Volunteer event ambassadors Nancy Wu, Mandy Wong, Rachel Leung, Kiri T, and Lisa Ching joined forces with Women Elites, sponsors, corporate representatives, and celebrity runners to officiate the launch of the “Run for Girls!” event—united in support of girls’ rights.

Ms. LAM Mei-sau, Linda, SBS, (seventh from the left), Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission; Ms. June Leung (sixth from the left), Board Chair; Mr. Andrew Weir (fifth from the right), Mr. BC Lo (second from the right), Mr. Jerry Chan (first from the right), and Ms. Sylvene Fong (third from the right), Board Members; Dr. Kanie Siu (seventh from the right), Chief Executive Officer of Plan International Hong Kong; Ms. Jennifer Tsang (first from the left), Senior Vice President of SCMP Hearst Publications Limited; and Ms. Sally Tse (second from the left), Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan HK, joined other distinguished guests to officiate the launch of the event.
Ms. June Leung, Board Chair of Plan International Hong Kong, stated in her opening speech that human trafficking has robbed countless girls of their freedom, exposing them to violence and abuse, and in some cases, forcing them into sexual exploitation—causing deep physical and emotional harm. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their support, which enables girls to continue their education and reclaim their rights.Volunteer event ambassadors Nancy Wu, Mandy Wong, Rachel Leung, Kiri T, and Lisa Ching came together to share their heartfelt reasons for supporting girls’ rights. They called on the public to support Plan International’s anti-human trafficking initiatives, helping more girls transform their futures through education and knowledge—and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.

Star runners Luna Li, Stone Lam, Janzen Tsang, Brian Chan, Goofy Yeung, Kathy Ngai, Natalie Ho, and Suki Ng (from left to right) showed up in support of the event.

Leading with Strength, United in Compassion

As in previous years, the event featured the “Women Elite” category, inviting accomplished women from various sectors to lead the 3km race and collectively advocate for girls’ rights. A “Corporate Cup” 3km race was also held, attracting team participation from 40 companies.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the public, our generous sponsors, and gift sponsors who supported the “Run for Girls! 2025” campaign—even if they couldn’t attend in person—including, Angel Tong (Int’l) Holding Ltd., HOKA, Kimberly-Clark, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Spin Master, and TriAngel Yoga.

Together, we raised nearly HK$1.13 million to support Plan International’s anti-human trafficking project in Nepal. The funds will help vulnerable girls continue their education and raise awareness among girls, parents, and community members about the dangers of human trafficking, fostering a protective environment where they can thrive.

Distinguished women from various sectors united to form the “Women Elite” group, actively participating in the event to advocate for girls’ rights and empowerment.

Empowering Communities Through Corporate Action

As the Diamond Sponsor of the event, RYTHM Foundation has long been committed to empowering lives to transform communities and is a key partner of Plan International. In addition to encouraging staff participation in the run and volunteer services, the Foundation also supports Plan International’s “Safer Cities for Girls” project in India, anti-human trafficking projects in Nepal, and climate-smart agricultural training for young farmers in Indonesia.

Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, Chairperson of RYTHM Foundation, shared that the Foundation believes corporate’s responsibility to drive community development and create lasting change. Organising teams to engage in volunteer work is not only a vital part of fulfilling corporate social responsibility, but also a powerful way to build a mission-driven and connected corporate culture. She emphasised that bringing employees into the community can ignite their passion and sense of purpose, fostering unity across the organization toward shared goals.

Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran also expressed strong recognition of Plan International’s ongoing community development programme in developing countries, and looks forward to building a close and long-term partnership to create meaningful impact—helping more vulnerable communities break free from poverty and transform their futures.

Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, Chairperson of RYTHM Foundation, joined Dr Kanie Siu, Chief Executive Officer of Plan International Hong Kong, to share insights on the core values behind sustained corporate support for charitable initiatives.


In the 3km Corporate Cup race, DECATHLON HONG KONG, PwC, and Deutsche Bank Hong Kong won the Champion, First Runner-up, and Second Runner-up respectively.	KPMG was awarded both the “Corporate Most Participants Award” and the “Corporate Top Fundraising Award,” with over 140 team members actively demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility and empowering girls in developing countries to pursue their dreams.

Beacon College Limited was awarded the First Runner-up for the “Corporate Most Participants Award,” with over 70 staff and their families actively joining the event to support a meaningful cause.	RYTHM Foundation not only mobilised its staff to participate in volunteer work for the event, but also earned the Second Runner-up title for the “Corporate Top Fundraising Award,” demonstrating a united and wholehearted commitment to a good cause.

United Overseas Bank (UOB) Hong Kong limited demonstrated strong support for the event, serving as a Diamond Sponsor and wining the First Runner-up of the “Corporate Top Fundraising Award.”	Annual Platinum Partner: Mr. Andrew Weir and Ms. Sylvene Fong, Board Members of Plan International Hong Kong presented certificates of appreciation to Mr. Gary Lam, Regional Senior General Manager, Henderson Property Management Department – Team of Care; Ms. Pamela Lin, PX, CSR & Office Manager, Deckers Brands; Mr. Kendrick Wong, Executive Manager, Research & Development, KING’S FLAIR DEVELOPMENT LTD.; Ms. Ophelia Lin, Founder & Managing Director, Meiriki Japan; and Mr. Philip Cheng, Director of Commercial – HK, SPRC & TW, Mediterranean Shipping Company (Hong Kong) Limited.

Diamond Sponsor: Mr. Andrew Weir and Ms. Sylvene Fong, Board Members of Plan International Hong Kong presented certificates of appreciation to Ms. Cathy Zhou, Director of Finance and Planning, RYTHM Foundation, (second from the left), Mr. Brian Lam, Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief Financial Officer, United Overseas Bank Hong Kong and Ms. Adaline Zheng, CEO ,United Overseas Bank Hong Kong (second from the right).	Gold Sponsor: Mr. Andrew Weir and Ms. Sylvene Fong, Board Members of Plan International Hong Kong presented certificates of appreciation to Mr. Henry Ng, Director, CHYNCHEN ASSOCIATES LIMITED.

Gift Sponsor: Mr. Andrew Weir and Ms. Sylvene Fong, Board Members of Plan International Hong Kong presented certificates of appreciation to Ms. Rita Wong, Business Unit Manager, Dermatological, Cetaphil, 、Mr. Albert Kuk, Director, CHOI FUNG HONG COMPANY LIMITED、Mr. Hugo Jehlen, CEO, DECATHLON HONG KONG, Ms. Bonnie Wong, Senior Marketing Manager, Guerlain (Asia Pacific) Limited, Mr. Akifumi Aiba, Deputy Managing Director, Nissin Foods (H.K.) Co. Ltd. Mr. James Ng, Head of Hong Kong and Macau, SALOMON, Mr. Sam Chan, General Manager, North Asia, SWISSE and Miss So Wing Yan, Sales & Marketing Executive, SYNERGY DISTRIBUTION LIMITED (From right to left).	Official Sustainable Sportswear Sponsor: Ms. June Leung, Board Chair of Plan International Hong Kong presented certificates of appreciation to Ms Juliana Lam, Founder & President, INNOTIER Limited.