Support the Raksha Ascent 2024 Expedition!

Nature heals.

Most of us have had personal experiences in nature to validate this belief.

The Raksha Ascent project exists to provide young women who have survived sexual violence the opportunity to experience the indescribable benefits that come from challenging ourselves in the outdoors.

Beyond individual benefits, these women are challenging deeply entrenched gender stereotypes that exist in Nepal by reaching new heights in the mountains. Many of these girls did not believe they were physically capable of trekking before this experience due to the sport being almost exclusively male dominated.

We are so excited and proud to share that the Raksha Ascent 2023 trekking expedition was a huge success! 22 Nepali girls reached an elevation of 4,200m, and for most this was their first time ever hiking. As well as their first time seeing snow!

Planning for our third trekking expedition in 2024 with a new group of incredible young women from the Raksha Nepal shelter is already underway. We will once again combine trekking with an engaging curriculum about coping with trauma, personal and professional development, relationships, and embracing personal power.

Once again, we are humbly expressing gratitude for everyone’s support in believing in this cause. We hope that the photos and videos shared from these projects conveys the insurmountable growth, resilience, joy and sense of empowerment that these women have expressed leaving these experiences with.