“Women move mountains” is this year’s International Mountain Day theme.
The theme was chosen because men from the mountains often migrate elsewhere in search of alternative livelihoods, while women have taken on many tasks formerly done by men.
“Yet, mountain women are often invisible due to a lack of decision-making power and unequal access to resources,” according to the United Nations website (UN).
Women play a key role in mountains’ environmental protection and social and economic development.
“They are often the primary managers of mountain resources, guardians of biodiversity, keepers of traditional knowledge, custodians of local culture, and experts in traditional medicine,” is stated on the UN website.
International Mountain Day has been marked on December 11 since 2003.
15% of the world’s population lives in the mountains. Sustainable tourism in the mountains could create alternative livelihoods and reduce poverty.
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