ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Women gathered on Mount Safeen, east of Erbil, on Saturday to take part in a rock-climbing event, the first of its kind in the Kurdistan Region.
Organized by the Rwanga Foundation in coordination with the Kurdistan Mountaineering Federation, the event aimed to encourage more women to participate in outdoor sports and adventure activities.
For many participants, taking on the challenge meant overcoming personal hesitation and social barriers.
"Many people would love to [do this activity], but they hold back because they're shy and it can be especially tough for a woman. We just need to believe in ourselves," participant Zahra Farzdagh told Rudaw’s Vazhin Morad.
Trainers guided first-time climbers throughout the event as they navigated the mountain's cliffs.
"When I went up, I said, 'Wow, how amazing it is!' When I looked down, I had a smile and I happily climbed down. Before I climbed up, I was grumpy and drained; it is so amusing and great," said trainer Zhilya Ariff.
Organizers said outdoor initiatives like this not only promote physical fitness but also help build confidence and encourage greater participation by women in public life.
"At first, I looked at it and wondered how we were going to climb it. Thinking about the timing, it might involve some danger," said Rewan Samad of the Rwanga Foundation. "But seeing the group around me, the girls up early, and everyone's supplies ready, right then and there, I felt this was going to be a success."
The Rwanga Foundation was established in 2013 to improve social standards through four main areas: education, youth, environment, and support for vulnerable groups.
