Mina Bakhshi, Haniya Tavasoli, and Rabia Hussain enjoyed freedoms in Afghanistan, pursuing education and work. Joining Ascend, a nonprofit teaching leadership and rock climbing, allowed them to

Mina Bakhshi, Haniya Tavasoli, and Rabia Hussain enjoyed freedoms in Afghanistan, pursuing education and work. Joining Ascend, a nonprofit teaching leadership and rock climbing, allowed them to explore their country's mountains. When the Taliban seized power in August 2021, Ascend became their only chance to escape the restrictive regime.

As Ascend women resettled globally with host families, Yosemite Search and Rescue members Merryn Venugopal and Michelle Pellette invited them to Yosemite. There, they found safe reunion, solace in the climbing community, and a vital connection to home while building new lives.

Read their full story: https://pat.ag/AfarinStoryYT

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An event titled "Women in Action for Climate Justice and a Just Transition: Path to COP30 and Beyond" brought together diverse global women leaders. They highlighted the importance of a Just

An event titled "Women in Action for Climate Justice and a Just Transition: Path to COP30 and Beyond" brought together diverse global women leaders. They highlighted the importance of a Just Transition and presented comprehensive, intersectional strategies to advance community-led climate solutions, phase out fossil fuels, protect democracy, and strengthen the climate justice movement.

Discussions focused on critical topics such as forest protection, reforestation, gender-responsive climate policies, fossil fuel resistance, food sovereignty, Indigenous and human rights, Rights of Nature, and strategic campaigns for COP30 and future climate action.

Prominent speakers included Thilmeeza Hussain (UN), Eriel Tchekwie Deranger (2024 Climate Breakthrough Award Winner), Bridget Burns (WEDO), Tzeporah Berman (Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty), Colette Pichon-Battle (Taproot Earth), Jozileia Kaingang (ANMIGA), Taily Terena (2025 Global Citizen Prize Winner), and Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca Nation Environmental Ambassador). The event was moderated by Osprey Orielle Lake, Founder and Executive Director of Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN).

During WECAN's Climate Week events, Thilmeeza Hussain, Permanent Representative to the UN and Ambassador from the Maldives, spoke with WECAN Executive Director Osprey Orielle Lake. Their

During WECAN's Climate Week events, Thilmeeza Hussain, Permanent Representative to the UN and Ambassador from the Maldives, spoke with WECAN Executive Director Osprey Orielle Lake. Their discussion focused on climate justice policies, women's leadership, and accelerating just, resilient, community-led solutions.

This event was part of the Women's Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) three-day Climate Justice Forum. Titled "Facing the Climate Emergency on the Road to COP27: Solutions and Perspectives from Global Women and Gender Diverse Leaders," the forum took place September 20-22.