In August 2022 our members will travel to Tanzania to become the first all-South Asian female group from the UK ever to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Together We Can Move & Climb Mountains
Climbing one of the seven summits is no small feat, especially when you’re on track to make history.
In August 2022 our members will travel to Tanzania to become the first all-South Asian female group from the UK ever to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
There are many reasons for assembling an exclusively female asian group of women to climb the world’s largest freestanding mountain and, at 19,341 feet, the tallest in Africa.
Climbing this mountain has been on my bucket list for YEARS!I had to cancel the trip twice due to COVID but kept talking about this dream of mine with everyone! Slowly other women started to ask “Can I come?” and I said YES!
Getting to the summit of Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, is not for the faint-hearted.
Its permanently snow-capped summit towers 5,895 metres above sea-level – four times higher than Ben Nevis, UK’s highest mountain. Climbing to the top is the equivalent of scaling Big Ben a staggering 61 times.
Why Mount Kilimanjaro?
Climbing this mountain offers a series of mental and physical challenges. Overcoming those challenges, feeling a sense of accomplishment, and learning a little more about yourself is tremendously rewarding as we are finding out in training!
Our foremost motivation for organising the trip is unequivocal: We want to show the world what Asian women are capable of. Our youngest member is 29 and most mature 62. We are mothers, wives, daughters and grandmothers. We are not athletes or mountaineers but regular women who are pursuing a dream for us.
The Kilimanjaro expedition provides an example of what is possible for others, that it’s okay to hit pause as Asian women on your parental, family responsibilities, and seek adventure for YOU.
A group of South Asian women from around the UK will be climbing the tallest freestanding mountain on the planet, Mount Kilimanjaro, in this monumental self-funded trip. This is the first time a group of exclusively South Asian women have come together to do this.
Fifteen women are determined to conquer the roof of Africa, and in doing so, make way for others. These women have chosen to share their stories in a documentary to be filmed by an award winning film crew.
This feature film will follow the group from training in the UK through to the climb in Tanzania, all the while delving into the themes of representation, identity, breaking boundaries, and everyday acts of courage, sharing intimate interviews with the women throughout their journey.
Our expedition has personal journeys at the core of its story telling revealed through the documentary. It will also highlight SHIRIKISHA, a female founded social enterprise that supports a community impacted by hearing impairment in Tanzania.
Climbing one of the seven summits is no small feat, especially when you’re on track to make history. As these women embark on a brave, bold, and courageous journey that will leave the door wide open for those following, it is a journey YOU can be a significant part of.
#ClimbKiliWithAWMB
This is Her Story
When this group decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro they did so with as much of an intention to be seen as to reach the summit. To make space not just for themselves, but for others who may follow.
They are singleton millennials, mothers, grandmothers, professionals and business owners.
These fifteen women have been training and exchanging stories with the aim of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro together.
Each woman is unique and brings with them a plethora of experience of life which will help them on this journey. Ranging from a 62-year-old retired teacher, a 46-year-old corporate escapee turned award-winning chef to a 30-year-old trader.
For the first time ever, this group of women have come together to rewrite the rule book handed down to them and change not only their own perspectives, but also those of the world around them for generations to come.
This is her story. This is their story. This is YOUR story.
#ClimbKiliWithAWMB
REHMAT RAYATT
Award-winning Photographer and Filmmaker
Award-winning Photographer and Filmmaker
Rehmat Rayatt is a social documentary photographer and filmmaker. Her work has been exhibited around the UK including The Old Truman Brewery Brick Lane, The New Art Exchange Nottingham, Guildhall Art Gallery London and The Gallery, Bournemouth.
She has been shortlisted for a number of awards including the Culture Cloud competition.
“I’m very selective with the projects I take on, but this one immediately made me say yes. We need to see representation of our women on the screen, and I am delighted and honoured to be part of this.”
Her film Toxification documenting the plight of the Punjabi farmer, won Best Documentary at OIFFA in Canada, as well as being selected for three other film festivals globally.
The film is critically acclaimed, having been featured in The Guardian and Times of India.
It is currently being aired on Amazon Prime.
Rehmat was commissioned to direct Terra Firma, a film about the diaspora experience broadcast on BBC Four. She has also had her photographs exhibited at the Southbank Centre and a number of other galleries, as well as being published in The Guardian and
The Telegraph.
WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN
The documentary will highlight the work of SHIRIKISHA a social enterprise that works with deaf people and other individuals who want to make a change in their lives and the lives of others.
Cocaya, native to Tanzania herself and the founder of SHIRIKISHA says “My passion to help others in my community grew stronger as I realized more and more that most of my deaf friends needed my help. I founded SHIRIKISHA with the aim of succeeding socially and economically with my friends who are deaf women. I believed it was possible to make a change in our lives and those around us. But I also believed we could do so by being involved in this work together, sharing our knowledge, skills, and talents. Hence the name, SHIRIKISHA.”
Team Kili have also collectively sponsored a place for one Tanzanian woman to join them on this epic hike, an opportunity that is only possible through the support offered by the women going on the expedition.
MEET THE WOMEN MAKING HISTORY
Rupinder Kaur
Mother of two, 10-year-old Daya Kaur & 4-year-old Sahib Singh, founder of Asian Women MEAN Business, Rupinder first dreamt of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 20 years ago whilst at university. But career came first, then marriage, a mortgage and children meant this dream lay dormant for two decades.
“It felt impossible to dare to do this, to take the time out for me, for adventure and soul seeking. To leave my children and carve out this for me. When I first mentioned I wanted to do this trek I was shocked at how many women said they’d like to do it too… we don’t see brown women represented in the hiking world, so I really thought I was the anomaly! I am not an experienced hiker and bought my first pair of hiking boots for this trip!
But it turns out when one of us dares to whisper our hearts calling to another sister that whisper is often met with a roar back of “I want to do that too!” My hope is that by watching this documentary other South Asian women will feel motivated and have the courage to follow their heart’s desires too.”
Jasdeep Kaur Kandola
A young mum of two and practicing dentist in Surrey.
“My love of hiking developed in childhood when we would travel as a family on walking holidays. Over the years I have walked in the Alps, Andes, and Pacaraima Mountain ranges.
Having started a family of my own I felt guilty for taking time out to continue the trips I used to love.
I found myself conforming to role of ‘working Asian mum’ and set my personal dreams aside.
When I heard about this group of women taking out two weeks from the role of ‘mum, wife, daughter’ to climb Kilimanjaro I knew I had to be a part of it.
I do hope this documentary can inspire others who feel they need to seek permission to dream big.
By watching and joining me in training for this trip my children are also excited to ‘climb a mountain’. I can’t wait to buy them their first walking boots and see what we conquer together.”
Satinder Panesar
Mother of two delightful sons 34 & 30 and a beautiful daughter in law and an adorable granddaughter.
“I am a Psychotherapist specialising in Sexual Trauma Tradition and Culture and work internationally. I’m also a qualified Clinical Supervisor.
In August 2021 I was blessed with my granddaughter – I felt a new lease of life, joy and energy. At the beginning of 2022 I set my intention for the year to become Healthier & Fitter – knowing I have (very) high blood pressure has hung over me for years – my granddaughter totally inspired me. I had the realisation that I wanted to be in her life for a very long time. So I created my vision board with a picture of a Munro (a Scottish Mountain) I visualised I would walk one Munro month! That was the plan!
Little did I know when the opportunity came around climbing Kilimanjaro – initially it was “I can’t do this however being inspired by everyone I went for it!
Fitness is not my forte at all!
I’ll be celebrating Nyahs 1st birthday in Tanzania – whilst I will be healthier and fitter – I want her to be inspired by her Granny and think anything is possible.”
Mandeep Flora
A 35-year-old mother of 2 children, Armaan aged 6 and Nia aged 4 and founder of Something Flora.
“Life has been great and treated me well, I’ve ticked all the boxes that our society would want a South Asian Female to fulfil.
For the first time I’m taking time out to truly do something for ME and fulfil my own dreams and desires. If we don’t make time for this now, who will be the role models for our daughters and the future generations to come?
Grief has been a big part of my life for the last decade, losing my dad, my best friend when he was only 54 years old, totally broke our world. This year September 2022 will mark 10 years. When this opportunity came, I knew it was perfect, to celebrate him and his African roots.
I love you Dad, Balvinder S Chaggar, this is for YOU.”
Amritpal Kaur Bansal
A Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist from London, working with clients dealing with mental health concerns for over 12 years.
“I have seen various personal & professional changes in myself over the last few years. The global pandemic especially forced me to look at how my life has been, and what I would want to do for myself going forward.
Mostly to live authentically, pursue fulfilling goals and to be more joyful.
As a group of South Asian women, we come from many different backgrounds and life experiences. I also want to do this Kilimanjaro climb to show myself and others, that we can all achieve extraordinary things when given the opportunity to do so.
My hope is we all recognise that we have the courage and tenacity within us, to take on new adventures and challenges.”
Belinder Kaur
Mother of three, based in the Midlands, Belinder is an Account Manager by profession and describes herself as an “ordinary” wife, mother, and daughter.
“It would never have occurred to me to do this trip if this group of women were not doing it. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day of life and just lose sight of who you are and feeling allowed to do something out of the ordinary. Why want more when what I have is enough?
But when I saw that there were other mothers doing this expedition, I thought to myself I can do this too. I want to do this! I have been struggling with my physical health and a foot injury but am determined to make it to the summit. I want others who feel like me to watch this film and know we all have permission to do something for us.”
Kiran Kaur Kondal
A 39-year-old mother of 3. Saroop Singh aged 13, Riya Kaur aged 11 and Veerjoga Singh aged 8. Kiran is a deputy head teacher.
“I am a mother, wife, daughter, daughter in law, sister, teacher, friend. I have many roles for many people. Within these roles, I may have lost the true purpose of ‘me’. Upon entering this journey, it became apparent to me that I was seeking permission from myself, those around me to validate me leaving my family for 2 weeks.
This was a groundbreaking revelation. I never want my children, my daughter, to seek validation from those around her. I want her to be a believer, achiever, and winner. I can make this happen by breaking away from the conditioning and parameters set around me.
This journey is a celebration of life. An unravelling of becoming. Channelling grief to a higher purpose. This year marked 10 years of losing my father to heart failure.
This left me with a broken heart. I am now in a stage where my heart is a different sort of whole and I embark on this adventure with compassion, kindness, and laughter. This journey is for you Daddy, Joga Singh Grewal. Forever in our hearts.”
Kiran Kaur Barn
Proud daughter and granddaughter to the most awe-inspiring women, Human Resources Director with a passion for people and organisations committed to creating a just, prosperous, and sustainable future.
“My intention is to travel as far and wide as possible. Enriching my life as each chapter unfolds has given me more self-development and soul food than I could ever have imagined. Exploring with loved ones or solo adventures, immersing in nature is a source of joy and nourishes me every single time. Whether it be swag camping under the stars in the Australian outback, day hikes and camping across New Zealand to The Inca Trail in Peru, there really is nothing else like it.
When summiting Mount Kilimanjaro was mentioned I immediately said yes! There are so many elements that make this a once in a lifetime adventure, including leaning into my faith and spirituality further, journeying with uplifting sangat, and the privilege of exploring a phenomenal part of the world with WHOA travel guiding us.
This really is going to be epic; Mother Earth I cannot wait!”
Hardeesh Kaur
33 year old Clinical Nurse Specialist and mum to 2 beautiful girls. Pranavath Kaur aged 5 years and Hukam Kaur aged 1 years.
“When Rupinder said there was a trip to Kilimanjaro – I thought WOW. This sounds amazing! I went through all the feels. I was scared, I felt selfish, but I was excited by the opportunity of adventure. These women have children, and they’re really doing this. I can do this too.
I want my daughters to grow up and see that South Asian women take risks. South Asian women dare to dream. South Asian women are doing things for themselves.
I don’t want the sacrifices of my Mum and my Grandmothers to be in vain. Thanks to them, and to all of the women I am doing this with, I have the courage to embark on a journey for myself and these dreams are within my grasp.
I realised I don’t want to just exist; I want to live!”
Sarbjit Malhi
A proud Punjabi Woman, Mother, Wife, Daughter, Daughter-in-law, Sister and Social Worker.
“I thrive to carry out all these roles to the very best of my ability sometimes compromising my own wellbeing in the process.
Raised in a multi-generational home, I observed and lived my life via a set of rules which were passed down to me in a multitude of ways, which I dutifully observed and implemented into my life despite these seeming archaic at best and oppressive at worst. As a result, I learned to dissociate from many parts of myself not least my own sense of autonomy and bravery.
When I learned of this trip, I had a strong YES to it however, because it was during my Daughter’s Birthday, I did not put my name forward. Over the coming weeks, the sense of unease around this decision grew. I presented a good argument to my daughter so that she would “allow” me to go, and it was at this point that I realised that I had lived my whole life in sync with the expectations of the adults around me and that I was now passing the baton to my children. So, with the encouragement of my husband, I made the decision to reach out to Rupinder to establish whether a place was still available and to my surprise, there was. I was the last person to have joined this amazing team and am grateful for this opportunity.
The training process has helped me to strengthen my body and enabled me to grow as a person as I take on new challenges. I am learning of the healing aspects of being in nature whilst also cultivating my own sense of bravery.
Climbing Kilimanjaro for me, is the gateway to more future acts of bravery and I simply cannot wait to discover hidden parts of me. My dearest hope is that I am able to influence those around me not least my children so that they go on to live a bolder, braver and more authentic life.”
Next Steps
To Donate Visit:
Or contact kili@asianwomenmeanbusiness.com for bespoke sponsorship packages
Follow their journey on #ClimbKiliWithAWMB
This is their story. This is her story. This is YOUR story