Girls Who Walk: How One Simple Walk Sparked a Community Movement

Connection is powerful, and sometimes, all it takes is a simple walk to spark something much bigger. 

In a city like Dubai, where ambition moves fast and lives are constantly evolving, many women quietly crave space to slow down, connect, and feel understood. What began as one woman navigating a major life transition has grown into a thriving community built on conversation, support, and shared movement. 

We spoke with Farah Enayeh, the founder of Girls Who Walk Club, about how a small WhatsApp group turned into a national movement, and why creating spaces where women feel seen, welcomed, and valued matters now more than ever.

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What inspired you to start the Girls Who Walk Club here in Dubai? Was there a moment when you felt, “this is something women need”? 

I started Girls Who Walk in January 2023 during a very transitional time in my life. I had left my job to stay home with my newborn, and while it was beautiful, it was also overwhelming. I went from being surrounded by colleagues and conversations every day to spending most of my time alone. 

I realized I didn’t just need fresh air, I needed connection. I needed other women. 

So I created a small WhatsApp group and invited a few girls to walk with me. Only one girl showed up to the first walk. But we talked for hours, and I went home thinking, “If this helped even one of us, it’s worth continuing.” That’s when I knew this wasn’t just something I needed, it was something many women in Dubai needed too.

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How do you foster a space where women feel comfortable showing up regardless of age, fitness level, or background? 

From day one, I made it clear that this isn’t a fitness club, it’s a connection club. The walk is just the setting. The real purpose is conversation and community. 

We keep the pace relaxed, we introduce everyone, and we intentionally mix women so no one feels left out. There’s no pressure to perform, look a certain way, or “fit in.” Whether you’re a founder, a corporate professional, a new mom, or just new to Dubai, you belong. 

I think when women feel seen and not judged, they naturally open up.

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When you first launched this ladies-only community, what hurdles did you face, and how did you navigate them? 

The biggest hurdle at the beginning was momentum. After that first walk with just one girl, I could have easily stopped. 

Instead, I decided to take it seriously. I created an Instagram page and started personally inviting women through DMs. No shame there! 

Another challenge was credibility. When you’re building something new, people don’t immediately see the vision. So I stayed consistent. I showed up every week, even when turnout was small. Over time, consistency built trust, and trust built community.

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What’s been a standout moment or milestone that made you feel you were really building something special? 

One big turning point was when I invited a founder friend to share her story during one of our early walks. The girls were so engaged, asking questions, exchanging numbers, supporting her business. 

That’s when I realized this could be more than just walking. It could be a platform for women to highlight their work, connect, and collaborate. 

Seeing friendships form, business partnerships happen, and women tell me, “I almost didn’t come today, but I’m so glad I did,” or “I met my BFF here!”, those moments remind me this is something meaningful.

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What would you say to a woman who wants to start moving more, but doesn’t know where to begin? 

Start small. It doesn’t have to be a big transformation. 

Go for a 20-minute walk. Invite one friend. Or even come alone, that’s what many of our girls did. 

Movement isn’t about intensity. It’s about consistency. And when you pair it with community, it stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like something you look forward to.

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What’s next for Girls Who Walk Club? Are you planning new cities, events, or collaborations? 

The vision has definitely grown. 

We’ve started collaborating with small and big brands and founders who align with our values, and I’m very intentional about partnerships, they have to add value to the girls, not just visibility. 

Long-term, I see Girls Who Walk expanding into curated experiences and fun workshops. In terms of country expansion and new cities, we are happy to announce that we started a global movement. Girls Who Walk expanded to Syria, Qatar, Saudi and are in talks with more countries.