A Tribute to the Strength of Women Everywhere
International Women’s Day is an important day in my calendar each year. It’s a time to recognise incredible women, reflect on how far we have come, and acknowledge the challenges ahead to achieving gender equality. As a public speaking coach, empowering and supporting women is integral to who I am and what I do.
This International Women’s Day, I made a decision to do something special. I embarked on an extraordinary journey to summit Mount Kilimanjaro with an incredible all-woman team. Through moments of exhilaration and challenge, this experience is truly something I will never forget.
I share this journey with you, driven by a single goal: to inspire you to pursue your dreams, challenge expectations, and champion gender equality.
The Challenge of Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, stands at an impressive nearly 6,000 meters (19,000 ft) above sea level. It is Africa’s tallest peak and the world’s largest freestanding mountain. The physical and mental endurance required, along with the extreme altitude, make it a formidable challenge. As someone who enjoys a challenge, I’ve taken on some significant physical feats before. Those of you who follow my blog will know that I battled a fear of public speaking for many years, so I am used to mental challenges too. But nothing quite compares to this one! Even before I set foot on the mountain, I was certainly feeling the nerves.
Promoting Gender Equality
The challenge was not only to conquer Kilimanjaro but also to recognise International Women’s Day and promote gender equality. There are striking statistics that highlight a concerning trend of gender inequality on Kilimanjaro. Out of 17,000 porters on Kilimanjaro, only 200 are women, and among 8,000 guides, only 58 are women. With 35,000 people tackling the peak each year this underrepresentation deprives women of opportunities for financial stability.
For many local women, financial independence is a pathway to escape abusive situations and gain greater autonomy in their lives. The Tanzanian Women Guides Foundation, led by Glory, our fantastic guide, are making steady progress to tackle this issue. Just 10 years ago, there were only 3 female guides and now there are nearly 60. Climbs that include female guides, like this one, support the much-needed change in culture and attitudes towards women’s inclusion in the industry.
Challenges and Triumphs
Our journey was predicted to span seven days and nights, with each day demanding five to ten hours of hiking. Honestly, I felt overwhelmed. I had no idea how I’d reach the summit—it just felt so far away! So, how do you begin such a monumental journey? Well, it simply begins with one step. It may sound cliché, but it holds true on the mountain and it holds true in life. I simply focused on taking one step at a time and trying to remain present in each moment. It was a good reminder that progress isn’t always about leaping forward. Consistent, deliberate small steps can take you a long way!
The Unforgettable Highs
I knew this journey would present challenges, from battling altitude sickness, which hit me unexpectedly hard and fast, to enduring physical and mental exhaustion. The absence of home comforts, like a bed, shower, and mobile phone connection, added to the trials! But amidst the challenges, there were unforgettable highs!
The awe-inspiring experience of hiking above the clouds was so breathtaking that even altitude sickness couldn’t diminish its beauty. There were moments of exhilaration and nerve-wracking encounters, like the famous “kissing rock.” Those few hours of terrifying climbing left us all with butterflies in our stomachs, but the high I felt afterward was incredible. It reminds me of public speaking—the exhilaration and high that come after facing nerves. And, of course, one of the best parts was the joy of climbing with a group of amazing women.
Women Who Dare to Defy Expectations
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we faced our biggest challenge: summit day. Beginning at midnight, we descended after minimal rest from the previous day’s climb, bodies fatigued, and sleep deprived. The pronounced oxygen deprivation, coupled with the struggle to regulate body temperature in minus 10 degrees, made the seven-hour climb to the summit the hardest thing I’ve ever done! Moments of exhaustion and uncertainty threatened to overwhelm me. I felt like giving up about every 20 steps! But then I remembered why I was doing this. I couldn’t let these women down. It wasn’t just about me anymore; it was about every woman who dared to defy expectations. I somehow found the strength to press on, driven mostly by perseverance. Then with each step forward, belief in my ability to achieve the seemingly impossible grew.
And we did it! Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on International Women’s Day with a fully female team was an incredible triumph. Every step taken was a testament to the strength of women everywhere. It was a tribute to the countless women who face challenges every day and approach them with courage and resilience.
5 Things I Learnt at 19,000 Feet…
Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
Before even setting foot on Kilimanjaro, I grappled with a common obstacle – the fear of failure. As women, we often internalise limitations and doubts. This in turn can prevent us from setting ambitious goals and going after what we truly want. This fear is not only prevalent in physical challenges but also in other areas of our lives, such as public speaking. The fear of failure can stop us from stepping onto a stage, sharing our ideas, and asserting our voices.
However, when we face our fears head-on, we can achieve remarkable feats. Fear is a natural response to the unknown, and I certainly felt fear with this challenge! But it’s how we confront and overcome it that truly defines our courage. Just as I felt fear on the climb, I also felt fear before many of my public speaking engagements. Yet, each time I faced that fear, I grew stronger and more confident.
Climbing Kilimanjaro and conquering my fear of public speaking both required a leap of faith and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone. The exhilaration I felt after reaching the summit was similar to the rush I feel after delivering a successful presentation. Both experiences taught me that fear can be a powerful motivator when harnessed correctly. By embracing our fears and pushing through them, we can not only achieve our goals but also inspire others to do the same.
Progress is a Result of Consistent Effort and Determination
Throughout the journey, I discovered the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Motivation will inevitably wane, and when it does, it’s crucial to remain committed to your goal. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was to take one step at a time, focusing on the immediate task rather than getting overwhelmed by the entire journey ahead.
There were moments during the climb when the summit seemed impossibly far, and my energy and enthusiasm were at their lowest. In those moments, it was my determination and commitment to the goal that kept me moving forward. This experience reinforced my belief that progress often comes in small, incremental steps rather than giant leaps. By breaking down the challenge into manageable parts and staying focused on each step, I was able to keep going even when the end seemed out of reach.
This lesson is equally applicable to public speaking and other areas of life. When faced with a daunting task, whether it’s presenting to a large audience or tackling a significant project at work, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, having a clear goal and taking regular consistent action is still the key to success. If it helps, break the task into smaller, more manageable steps and focus on consistent effort. This will help you make steady progress. Each small victory builds momentum and confidence, propelling you closer to your ultimate goal.
Moving Forward Despite Setbacks
Resilience is not about never experiencing setbacks or doubts; it’s about pushing through them and continuing to move forward despite them. Perseverance is the key to achieving long-term success. By staying committed and taking one step at a time, you really can overcome obstacles and achieve things you once thought were impossible. This journey up Kilimanjaro reinforced for me that with determination and a step-by-step approach, remarkable achievements are within reach.
Embrace Vulnerability
During our climb, I encountered moments where I felt overwhelmed and emotional. As women, we often face societal pressure to appear strong and composed at all times. However, I learned that there should be no apologies for tears or showing emotion. True strength isn’t about suppressing emotions or pretending not to feel anything. It’s about having the courage to show up and be seen, even when you’re vulnerable.
There were times on Kilimanjaro when fatigue set in, doubts crept up, and tears flowed freely. In those moments, I realised that showing vulnerability doesn’t diminish strength; it enhances it. It takes immense courage to confront challenges and express genuine emotions along the way. By allowing myself to feel and express my emotions authentically, I gained a deeper understanding of my own resilience and inner strength.
This lesson extends beyond the mountain. In professional settings, such as public speaking engagements, I often see women who experience anxiety and feel very vulnerable. Despite their fears, they show up and deliver their speeches with determination and grace. Showing vulnerability in such moments isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to their courage and authenticity. And it inspires others to embrace their own vulnerabilities too.
Embracing vulnerability doesn’t detract from our capabilities; it enriches our experiences and strengthens our resilience. It reminds us that true strength lies in our ability to embrace our humanity fully, tears and all.
When Women Support Each Other, Incredible Things Happen
The support received from the women on the climb was unparalleled – I genuinely couldn’t have reached the summit without them! We laughed (a lot!), we shed tears (mostly mine!) and we leaned on each other for physical, mental, and emotional support. There was so much kindness – and some gentle challenge when needed, all done in a non-judgmental and supportive way. When we uplift other women and create a community of support and solidarity, together we can achieve the seemingly impossible.
Supporting Women Across the World
My journey might be over, but the journey towards gender equality for women in Tanzania continues. If you feel inspired to climb a mountain, please consider supporting trekking companies that hire women as porters and guides. Despite facing strong skepticism, these women have proven themselves capable time and again. If climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t your calling (and I realise it’s not for everyone!), you can still make a meaningful impact by supporting female-led businesses locally and around the world. Your support truly makes a significant difference in empowering women in their communities, not just on occasions like International Women’s Day, but every day.
Keep Climbing Mountains
As women, we climb mountains every day—literal mountains and mountains in life. Our journey to conquer Kilimanjaro on International Women’s Day was a testament to the resilience of women everywhere. So, embrace your strength, embrace your resilience, and never underestimate the power within you. Whatever mountain you are facing keep climbing, keep striving, and remember that you are capable of reaching new heights too.
Interested in Climbing Kilimanjaro?
I booked my climb with Solo Female Travellers and they have been supporting the Tanzanian Women’s Guide Foundation for several years.
Looking For a Speaker For Your Event
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