Afghan Mountaineer Saeeda Sadat's Historic 5630 meter Yalung-Ri Climb

Saeeda Sadat, the first Afghan female mountaineer, successfully scaled the 5,630-meter Yalung-Ri peak in Nepal alongside two American climbers. Reports indicate that Sadat achieved this milestone at 9:27 AM on Wednesday, October 18th, making her the first Afghan woman to conquer Yalung-Ri in Nepal. She has actively participated in climbing various international peaks in recent years.

In early October 2023, Saeeda embarked on her journey towards Yalung-Ri, accompanied by two American climbers and two Nepali guides. She is among a handful of Afghan females actively engaging in mountaineering on world peaks lately. Fatima Sultani, another Afghan climber, previously ascended the highest peak in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush mountain range, "Noshaq," which stands at 7,492 meters, back in 2019.

Yalung Ri Peak is a non-technical mountain situated in Nepal's eastern Rolwaling Valley. With an altitude of 5,630 meters, Yalung Ri consists of rock, ice, and snow climbing. It offers an ideal starting point for beginner climbers with limited or no prior experience. While not a simple walk-up climb, Yalung Ri requires the use of crampons, rope work, and an ice-axe. The base camp is at an elevation of 4,750 meters, and it takes around four hours to reach the summit from there. Other nearby trekking peaks include Ramdung (5,930m), Chugmage (6,259m), and Chobulse (6,689m).

This news arrives as some female athletes and mountaineers in Afghanistan express concerns over limitations placed on women athletes following the Taliban resurgence after US forces withdrew after two decades. One confined female athlete shares her apprehension about women being restricted to their homes due to its potential negative consequences. She explains that in a society with equal chances, everyone finds their path and their talents. Limiting women not only highlights the Taliban's discriminatory mindset but also robs them of any opportunities for success.

According to her statement, no women's sports events have occurred in Afghanistan since the Taliban came to power. Ahmadullah Wasiq, the Deputy Head of the Cultural Commission of the Taliban, claimed in an interview with Australia's SBS TV that "women's sports are neither appropriate nor necessary." He states that Islam does not permit women to be viewed in such a manner and that neither Islam nor the Taliban administration allows women to play cricket or engage in sports where men can view them.

While the Taliban administration imposes restrictive attitudes towards women in sports and public activities, it is crucial to acknowledge that many Afghan Islamic scholars and Muslim countries adopt a more inclusive perspective. In these communities, girls are not only permitted to receive education but also have opportunities to work and pursue careers alongside men, acknowledging gender equality and women's empowerment.

The variety of viewpoints within the Muslim world illustrates the ongoing debates and conversations about women's rights and roles in society, continuously evolving and shaping gender equality across various regions.