In a bold and symbolic move to highlight the devastating effects of climate change on the Himalayas, a team of 30 Nepali women, including a beauty queen, politicians, social activists, and journalists, will embark on a challenging trek to the Everest Base Camp.
The expedition, flagged off on Thursday by the organization Sath Sathai, coincides with International Women's Day on March 8th and aims to raise international awareness about the melting glaciers and the subsequent challenges faced by the mountain communities.
The theme for this year's International Women's Day, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," resonates deeply with the team's mission.
They'll travel from Kathmandu to Manthali for a night's rest before journeying to Lukla, the closest airstrip to the Everest Base Camp.
After that, it's a five-day trek to Kalapatthar, a vantage point at an altitude of 5,500 meters, close to the base camp.
"We are heading to Kalapatthar to draw global attention to the alarming issue of climate change," Prajeeta Karki, president of Sath Sathai, shared via phone.
The diverse group includes Miss Nepal World Srichchha Pradhan, along with social activists, medical personnel, politicians, and journalists, all united for a common cause.
The culmination of the trek on International Women's Day aims to garner the attention of national and international communities towards the dire consequences of climate change in the Everest region and the hardships faced by the mountain people.
Beyond the trek, the team will also interact with villagers and local representatives along the route, engaging in discussions about the impact of climate change on their lives and livelihoods.
A recent report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) paints a grim picture, highlighting that 79 glaciers surrounding Mount Everest have thinned by over 100 meters in just six decades, with the rate of thinning nearly doubling since 2009.
This alarming trend is primarily attributed to the changing climate and can have severe repercussions, including reduced water flow in rivers originating from glaciers, impacting both mountain communities and downstream plains.
This remarkable expedition undertaken by these 30 women is not just a test of physical endurance; it's a powerful message urging global action to address the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
They stand as an inspiration, demonstrating the strength and resilience of women while advocating for urgent action to protect our planet.
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