Money raised will be used to fight human trafficking
Ontario women-led-and-owned Wild Women Expeditions will soon be sending an all-female group to the loftiest mountain on the planet and in doing so will lend a needed helping hand to some vulnerable members of the trekkers’ gender.
The company — which says it has “been bringing together women of all ages and sexual orientations since 1991 for affirming and exhilarating adventures” and aims to “provide a safe, comfortable, empowering, and transformative environment for all women who love the outdoors, have an adventurous spirit, and enjoy the company of other women” — has a Oct. 15 trek to Everest Base Camp.
The 18-day trek trip, which departs Oct. 15 and has rates starting from US$3,595 per person, will have participants ascending to one of the world’s “most iconic destinations, embracing the spirit of adventure, grit, and endurance that Wild Women Expeditions is known for,” the company says.
Travellers will visit to iconic sites like the Boudhanath Stupa — one of the largest spherical stupas in the world; wildlife viewing; varying levels of treks and hikes; an experienced English-speaking female tour guide; accommodations in local hotels; and Nepalese mountain lodges, all ground transportation; and more.
Wild Women Expeditions reports that all money raised from the trek will be donated to the Ally Global Foundation, which works with survivors of human trafficking, providing them with safe housing, education, and skills needed to rebuild their lives. Ally provides safe homes, education, and job training to help survivors “overcome immense trauma. These safe homes offer not only physical protection but a place where women and girls can rebuild their lives, form meaningful relationships, and begin to dream of a better life.”
The tour operator is helping Ally fund the building of a new safe house in Nepal, which it says “is more than just a building — it’s a foundation for new beginnings. It’s a sanctuary where survivors of sex trafficking can heal, reclaim their independence, and rewrite their futures. Together, it is possible to create a lasting legacy of hope and change.”
“An integral driving force of Wild Women Expeditions is empowering women – not just the women who travel with us, but those in the communities we visit. It’s necessary for us as a company to amplify the voices of silenced women around the world and ensure that we are doing all we can to educate, empower and change the lives of vulnerable women for the better. Together, we can raise awareness about human trafficking and support survivors of exploitation through awareness, education and fundraising efforts,” said Jennifer Haddow, CEO of Wild Women Expeditions.
Human trafficking is an ongoing problem in Nepal, with a report by Nepal’s National Human Rights Commission reporting that 35,000 people were victims of trafficking in 2017-2018 alone.
“On our Wild Women Expeditions trips through Nepal, we journey to remote villages where traffickers often target vulnerable young girls,” Haddow said. “We believe that tourism can be a powerful force for positive change and empowerment in these communities. Through the collective strength of our global Wild Women community, we can help rewrite the story of trafficking and contribute to lasting change.”
Haddow said the new safe house in Nepal will be “more than just a building — it’s a foundation for new beginnings. It’s a sanctuary where survivors of trafficking can reclaim their independence and rewrite their futures.
“Tourism provides an opportunity for outsiders to have an intimate view into a destination, revealing both the positive and negative attributes of a country and ensuring more international eyes are aware of potentially dangerous and unjust offences – which can act as a catalyst for local authorities and external organizations to combat heinous acts such as human trafficking and exploitation,” Haddow continued. “The travel industry has an obligation to protect and amplify the voices of the people in the communities tourists visit, and to offer awareness and education on the issues to their customers. “
Meanwhile, Haddow conceded that the journey to Everest Base Camp — from which climbers begin their ascent of the world’s highest mountain — isn’t suited for everyone.
“This is an active and challenging adventure, with travellers hiking six to eight hours per day, carrying daypacks and trekking uphill at high altitudes for nearly two weeks,” Haddow stated. “Participants should have a high degree of fitness, with many requiring more specific conditioning or training routines to prepare. While the adventure will be challenging, taking in the scenic views of such an iconic destination and the feeling of accomplishment makes it all worthwhile – all while knowing that your journey has a higher purpose: supporting survivors of human trafficking to find healing and restoration.”
Those unable to join the trek but wanting to donate directly to the Ally Global Foundation can do so through the Wild Women Expeditions’ Social Impact webpage, wildwomenexpeditions.com/social-impact/.
To book a space on the 18-day Trek to Everest Base Camp, visit: www.wildwomenexpeditions.com/our-trips/trek-to-everest-base-camp.
