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

A team of Icelandic and Nepali women mountaineers is set to lead "Climb for Change" an expedition to Lobuche Peak (6,119m) in the Himalayas. This initiative aims to raise awareness about gender equality in Nepal’s mountaineering sector and to generate funds to support Sherpa women in earning Professional Trekking Certifications. The goal of the expedition is to empower Sherpa women to lead expeditions, gain financial independence, and step into leadership roles in the mountaineering industry, where gender barriers have long persisted. By providing Sherpa women with the necessary training and opportunities, "Climb for Change" is dedicated to fostering equality 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. 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. 

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. Together, this diverse team 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.

The Sherpa community plays a crucial role in guiding climbers to the world's highest summits. Yet, for Sherpa women, opportunities in mountaineering are still limited by deeply ingrained gender roles. 

Our project, Climb for Change: Empowering Sherpa Women , is committed to breaking these barriers. By raising funds to support Sherpa girls in obtaining trekking guide permits and professional mountaineering certifications, we can empower them to lead expeditions, gain financial independence, and take on leadership roles in an industry traditionally dominated by men. This solution is about much more than just training—it’s about giving Sherpa women the tools and confidence to forge their own path to success.

With your help, we can fund the training and certification of Sherpa women and girls, giving them the opportunity to thrive. Your contributions directly enable these women to break free from societal limitations, achieve financial independence, and inspire future generations of Nepali girls to dream bigger.

Together, we can bridge the gap and create a world where gender equality is not just a dream but a reality in the mountaineering sector of Nepal.

Sherpa women often lack the financial resources to access the necessary training and permits to work as certified guides. Without support, they cannot afford to attend the courses offered by the Nepal Mountaineering Association. Without certifications, they are excluded from professional opportunities that could transform their lives. The funds required for each woman are significant, covering training, certification, and essential gear, and without outside help, these women remain stuck behind an invisible wall of inequality.

• 🌍 Our Personal Motivation for Climb for Change 🌍
• Being raised in Iceland, where gender equality ranks highest in the world, we have witnessed firsthand the progress made between our grandmother’s generation and our mother’s. In such a short time, equality has flourished, and we believe the same can happen in Nepal.
• Mountaineering has made us stronger, and we know it can do the same for women everywhere. Supporting Pasang, Doma, Purnima, and all the incredible women pioneering in the field of mountaineering in Nepal is truly humbling. We are thankful for the opportunity to empower Sherpa and Nepali girls to follow in their footsteps. 💪✨ Soffia and Lukka
• Join us on this journey. Help us make a difference by supporting our Climb for Change mission. Every donation counts—whether big or small. Together, we can elevate Sherpa women to new heights, both on the mountains and in their lives. Be a part of something that goes beyond a single climb—help us shape a future where every Sherpa woman has the chance to rise and lead.

Thank you for our support, Soffia, Lukka, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita and the team of Climb for Change