DIERN RAHIM-HELEN AHMAD

Sulaymaniyah- The Women’s Walking Group in Sulaymaniyah was founded seven years ago by Jeman Osman and Nahida Ahmed, owners of a gym.

Initially, walking activities were dedicated to members of the gym, but with increasing demand for these events, they decided to establish this group.

In recent years, walking culture has spread increasingly among women in the Kurdistan Region, leading to the emergence of many specialized groups. Under the supervision of experienced trainers and guides, these groups organize weekly trips to natural areas, where women practice sports activities to maintain their health and spend long hours walking.

Jeman Osman, the supervisor of the women’s walking group in Sulaymaniyah, said: “Seven years ago, together with two other trainers, Ifounded the Women’s walking group in Sulaymaniyah. We previously worked to encourage walking, but we developed the idea in a different way, and it now includes a group of active women who regularly participate with us in walking during all four seasons.”

She added that the women’s walking group in Sulaymaniyah has about 2,500 members, and trips are organized every Saturday with the presence of three trainers. According to her, these activities have a “positive impact” on social relationships among women. The participants share details of their joys and worries during the trips and support each other in facing life’s problems and challenges. Often, psychology and sociology specialists join the group to provide guidance and awareness.

Our speaker explained that departure times vary according to the seasons. In summer, walking trips start at 4:00 a.m., while in autumn and winter they start between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. The requirements for participation are simply wearing appropriate sports clothing and shoes, along with carrying a walking stick. The participants gather in front of Azadi Park in Sulaymaniyah, then set off on natural trails that last about three hours. They have breakfast in the lap of nature before returning to the city around 10:00 a.m.

Regarding the goals of establishing this group, Jeman Osman said that the idea stemmed from concern for women's physical and psychological health, helping them escape daily life pressures and problems. These activities also give women the opportunity to get to know the beautiful nature of the Kurdistan Region and build a closer relationship with the natural environment.

Walking, as she explains, has great positive effects on physical health, contributing to weight loss and improving general fitness. It is also beneficial for people with certain health problems. Walking plays an important role in burning fat, especially fat accumulated around the liver.

Jeman Osman affirmed that the Sulaymaniyah women's walking group was the first of its kind in the city when it was founded, noting that many walking groups were established later. "We look forward to continuing the spirit of cooperation and coordination among all groups, because collective work for women is an important step toward enhancing their happiness and improving their health."

 

"I have benefited greatly in terms of health"

Shanaz Jalal, one of the participants in the group, said: "I have been participating in this group for four years. We continue walking in all weather conditions, whether cold or hot. I also bring my daughters, daughters‑in‑law, and granddaughters. I always emphasize the need for women to leave their homes to enjoy this beautiful nature."

She added that the activity has positively reflected on her physical and psychological health. She goes out weekly to nature, breathes fresh air, and enjoys the stunning scenery. "I have benefited greatly from walking health‑wise. I used to suffer from shortness of breath and weight gain, but my participation in this group has brought me tangible benefits and clearly improved my health condition."

 

"The goal is to protect the environment and enhance social relationships"

Razan Fattah, a social researcher who has been participating in the group for three years, said that the goal of this initiative is to achieve psychological comfort for women and introduce them to nature. "I hope that all women will participate in such groups. Besides enjoying nature, there are great health and psychological benefits. These activities also contribute to enhancing social relationships."

She explained that introducing children, youth, and adolescents to the beautiful nature of Kurdistan is a service to the national cause and enhances love and belonging to the homeland. She also noted that one of the group's goals is to protect the environment, calling on everyone to treat it as their home and preserve it. "These activities teach children and adolescents to love nature and keep it clean."

 

"Woman means nature"

Jaro Hama Murad, another participant in the women's walking group, said she has been participating for three years. "I look forward to Saturday with great passion to go out into the embrace of Kurdistan's beautiful nature."

She added that women's participation in such activities is important for mental health and for introducing them to nature, as they face continuous pressures and need to break out of routine. She pointed out the importance of bringing children to nature and introducing them to the beauty of the Kurdistan Region's nature, as this has a positive impact on their upbringing and enhances their physical activity from an early age.

She also said: "Woman and the environment are two inseparable faces. Woman means nature, beauty, and strength. Therefore, she should always be close to nature because of the psychological comfort and inner peace it gives her."

The participants, as she explains, make sure to wear sportswear and bring light meals during walking trips. They also participate in trips to various cities of Kurdistan and even outside the country.

She pointed out that she previously suffered from significant weight gain and thyroid problems, but regular walking helped her reach a healthy weight and improve her physical and psychological condition, affirming that her constant presence in nature gave her a feeling of calm and psychological comfort.