Climb for Change-Iceland and Nepal 2024: Empowering Sherpa Women in Mountaineering

KATHMANDU, Oct 28:A team of Icelandic and Nepali women mountaineers are  leading a "Climb for Change," expedition to Lobuche Peak (6,119m) in the Himalayas Oct/Nov 2024. This initiative aims to support and encourage Sherpa and Nepali women to step into the mountaineering sector, to raise awareness about gender equality and to generate funds to support the initiative.The team is now in Dingboche getting ready to go to Lobuche base camp were they will prepare for the ascent. The partnership of Icelandic and Nepali women in this expedition symbolizes women’s solidarity in the pursuit of equal opportunities for all women, regardless of geography. 

The goal of the expedition is to empower Nepali women to lead expeditions, gain financial independence, and step into leadership roles in the mountaineering sector, where gender barriers have long persisted. By providing Sherpa women with the necessary training and opportunities, "Climb for Change" is dedicated to fostering equality, job opportunities and creating lasting impact within the Nepali tourism and mountaineering sectors.

The team consists of  Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita, a world-famous mountaineer from Nepal, whose groundbreaking achievements have inspired women globally and Purnima Shrestha, a Nepalese mountaineer and photojournalist, the first person to summit Mt Everest, the highest peak in the world, three times in a single climbing season. Pasang Doma Sherpa a Mountaineer that has climbed several 6000 and 7000 meter peaks and Jangmu who has climbed with Pasang several 6000 m peaks.

The porter team are Ambika Rai, Hijra Rai , Sumina Rai and Nirmala Rai Joining them from Iceland, a country  recognized as the world's leader in gender equality,  is Soffia Sigurgeirsdottir and Lukka Pálsdóttir, two accomplished mountaineers, who are committed to championing equality and opportunity for women in the mountains. Together they will highlight the importance of providing women with the resources and opportunities to succeed in the traditionally male-dominated field of mountaineering. Through their climb, they aim to inspire change and empower Sherpa women to pursue mountaineering careers. 

Mission Goals: Empowering Nepalese Women through Mountaineering

1. Fund Mountaineering Training for Nepalese Women and to support their English learning to enable them to communicate with international clients.

2. Advocate for Gender Equality in Nepal: We aim to raise  awareness of the need for gender equality in Nepal’s mountaineering sector. This mission highlights how empowering women to participate in the world of mountaineering not only breaks traditional barriers but also provides women with the opportunity to achieve financial independence and personal growth.

3. Engage a Global Community: Everyone can make a difference, transforming the lives of Nepalese women and creating a ripple effect of empowerment and progress in their communities.

 

The Icelandic outdoor brand 66°North supports the expedition as it represents the brands value in empowering women in outdoors activities.  66°North will share the  team’s journey to raise awareness about gender equality in Nepal. Their goal is to inspire their community to get involved, spread the message, and contribute to the cause.