Emirati women to take up Antarctica challenge

Five women from Emirates going to accept the challenge on an expedition to Antarctica to change the stereotypes about women in the region.

Alia Al Khafajy, Anna Ayoub, Oshba Mubarak, Khadijah Al Muttawa and Yasmin Al Juwadri will first travel to Ushuaia in Terra Del Fuego, southern Argentina, along with 65 fellow explorers, where they will be trained for their expedition. Preparations will include activities such as trekking and hiking.

The five women are being sponsored by their employer, NBAD, for the expedition, which will be led by polar explorer and environmentalist Robert Swan starts from Feb 27 to March 12.

“Engaging UAE women in challenging experiences; giving them the opportunity to learn and develop their personal and leadership skills, and offering them a platform to have a positive impact on society is a key step to developing female leaders and is part of our commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to the sustainable growth of the UAE, Hassan said.

“I believe the Emirati women joining the 2041 International Antarctica Expedition will advance international co-operation and understanding, promote the UAE’s culture, and highlight and serve as role models for environmental protection, he added.

The aim of the “2041 International Antarctica Expedition to highlight the effects of global warming and to ensure the continued protection of Antarctica from mining and exploitation beyond the year 2041.