A team of 40 women is on a 13-day trek to Kalapathar in the Everest region to raise awareness about climate change.
Sathsathai, an NGO, is organizing the trek under the slogan ‘Women United for Climate Justice.’
The team representing women from different fields, including Supreme Court Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla, began their journey from Lukla on Feb 28. They plan on reaching Kalapathar on March 8, which coincides with the International Women’s Day.
Nepal is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries. The effects of climate change are most pronounced in the mountains. A recent study shows that snow storage in the mountains has decreased by 29 percent and the number of glaciers has increased by 11 percent. The campaign’s objective is to draw the world’s attention to the issue.
The campaign participants will also discuss the effects of climate change in the Everest region with local women.
“We are uniting to raise our voice and fight the effects of climate change on our Himalayas,” says Prajita Karki, chairperson of Sathsathai. “If women are committed, they can bring change in their homes, society and the country.”
Sathsathai also plans on extending the climate campaign in all seven provinces.
Elite mountaineer Mingma David Sherpa is accompanying the team, which is supported by the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the National Nature Conservation Fund, UNDP, ICIMOD, WWF, Nepal Airline, Asian Pharmaceuticals and National Reference Laboratory.
Previously, Sathsathai had conducted a similar campaign in the Annapurna region.
“Our campaign gives women from different walks of life the opportunity to know each other as well as the places affected by climate change, and to unite to mitigate the challenges,” says Karki.
