Feminine sex to Conquer the Poles
Within the context of the United Nations Agenda 2030 which is comprised of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SWGs), is SDG5, dedicated to Gender Equality and Empowerment of all women and girls. This SDG is defined by the international community as « a necessary condition to ensure a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous world ». In line with the UN Agenda 2030, the NGO Le Cercle Polaire (LCP), has launched the campaign « Women of the Poles ».
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals - © United Nations
The campaign brings to light the the achievements of polar women adventurers, explorers, scientists and photographers from around the world by presenting their first hand accounts of on journeys and expeditions which rival or surpass those of their male counterparts. Certainly, the issue is not of the same importance for women living in places such as Algeria, Iran or Afghanistan. Anyhow polar experiences have recently become one of the symbols among others in the battle for gender equality and of the fight against discrimination affecting women and girls. It is this aspect on which LCP choose to put special emphasis although not precluding other important aspects such as the severe beauty of polar landscapes, unique relationships with nature, pushing oneself to the limits, the experience of isolation and of the void, disorientation and change of scenery, to name but a few.
The « Women of the Poles » campaign led by le Cercle Polaire brings together 50 polar women adventurers, explorers, scientists or photographers from around the world presenting the singular story of each women’s accomplishment and the spirit brought to each. These first hand accounts will be published on a Facebook page, on the Cercle Polaire website page, and a digital booklet grouping the photos and the writings of the « Women of the Poles ». In Februray 2023, a « Women of the Poles » thematic cruise to Antarctica will be offered by Ponant company in partnership with NGO le Cercle Polaire, gathering on board three well known polar adventurers (Laurence de LA FERRIERE, France ; Kate LEEMING, Australia and Tiina ITKONEN, Finland) with lectures on board and chats with the passengers. In August 2023, a thematic cruise to Greenland « Women of the Poles » will welcome aboard on a Ponant ship, Reena DHARMSHAKTU, the first Indian woman to ski from coast of Antarctica to South Pole covering a distance of 900 kilometers.
