30 young women climb Mount Toubkal in third edition of Empower Girls program

Thirty young women reached the summit of Mount Toubkal, Morocco’s highest peak, at 4,165 meters as part of the third edition of the Empower Girls program, completing a four-day trek through the High Atlas from Sept. 18 to 21. The climb was organized by Delta Evasion and led by Moroccan mountaineer Bouchra Baibanou, who has used her experience in high-altitude climbing to encourage young people, particularly girls, to push beyond their limits. The participants faced steep trails, physical exhaustion and moments of doubt on their way to the summit. They also had to rely on one another, with the group encouraging members to keep moving when the climb became more difficult. The organizers said the experience was designed to turn the mountain into a practical lesson in confidence, leadership and teamwork rather than simply a test of physical endurance. Each stage of the climb gave participants a chance to put those skills into practice. They had to manage fatigue, support one another, stay focused on a shared goal and keep going despite difficult conditions. For Baibanou, the experience was also about helping the young women see what they can achieve when they step outside their comfort zones. “The most beautiful summit is not always the one we reach in the mountains. It is the one we reach within ourselves,” Baibanou said, adding that she hoped the participants would keep the experience as a reminder that they can take on difficult challenges and pursue their goals. Baibanou became the first Moroccan to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 2017. She later became the first Moroccan to complete the Seven Summits, climbing the highest mountain on each continent. Her involvement in Empower Girls draws on that experience, with the program using outdoor activities and sport to help young women build confidence and develop skills they can use in their education, careers and personal lives. The initiative was supported by Madaëf and its subsidiaries. The organizers said the partnership reflects a broader effort to create opportunities for young women through sport and activities that encourage personal development.

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