I am trekking in the sacred Tsum Valley of Nepal with Women on a Mission, a non-profit entity, based in Singapore, which combines challenging expeditionary travel with the support of humanitarian causes. 

Together with nine other ladies, we aim to raise awareness and funds for Women for Women International.

WfWI provides women survivors of war with life, business and vocational skills over a year-long course, thereby giving them hope and a better future.  Over the past 20 years, WfWI has helped over 400,000 women survivors of war transition from crisis and poverty to stability and economic well-being through education and skills-based training.  The multiplier effect is profound: children gain access to education and healthcare, women invest their savings in small business, transforming families, and in turn, their communities. 

The self-funded, 13-day trek, will be both mentally and physically challenging.  It follows the old trade route to Tibet, averaging seven to eight hours of hiking per day carrying heavy packs.  Along the way, we will spend three days in a century-old nunnery in Gumba Lungdang, practicing meditation and sharing monastic community living.  We will also spend time with Women Lead Nepal, the first and only leadership development organisation in Nepal, specifically focused on empowering adolescent girls to become leaders. 

The trip will culminate at 5,093 meters in the Ngula Dhojhyang Pass, on the Nepalese-Tibeten border, where we will plant the flag for Women for Women International and carry messages of hope for peace in the world.