Why Kilimanjaro?

Mt. Kilimanjaro is famously known as the “Mountain of Light,” or the “heart, beauty and jewel” of Africa. A group of women will summit Mount Kilimanjaro on International Women’s Day 2016 to bring the violent acts committed against vulnerable women around the world into the light through advocacy, storytelling and fundraising. We will carry with us a banner covered in thumbprints from those who pledge support and “make a mark” on the issue of violence against women in war.

We don’t climb motivated by pity, nor do we climb because of the disturbing facts and figures surrounding violence against women in war zones. We climb for women like Esperance who have become sisters and friends to us, women we honor and hold in our hearts. We climb to become united with, equated with, associated strongly with women who suffer violence in war zones.

Photos: Christine Anderson

It takes 38,680 steps to climb Kilimanjaro. It is 20,000 feet in altitude and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It will be a physically, emotionally and spiritually challenging feat. We take it on with joy, knowing our support will go directly to restoring survivors physically, emotionally and spiritually.