Raha Moharrak, a 27-year-old Saudi graphic designer, reached the summit of Mount Everest over the weekend. Her amazing feat was part of an expedition called “Arabs with Attitude,” which includes Qatari Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, Palestinian Raed Zidan and Iranian Masoud Mohammad. All members are aiming to the first of his or her nation to reach the top of the mountain. Moharrak revealed humble feelings about her impressive accomplishment. “It was very personal thing. I didn’t do it to cause a movement, did not do it because of anything, but If I can change people’s opinion or the world’s opinion on Saudi women and if I can change Saudi women’s opinion about themselves I would be really happy.”
Moharrak encountered other impediments before even beginning her journey. Her conservative family took a bit of convincing before approving the idea. Moharrak’s success is especially notable when considering the limitation of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.
Arabs with Attitude is currently attempting to raise $1 million for education projects in Nepal. Having already scaled five of the seven highest peaks in all seven continents, Moharrak plans to overtake the last two as soon as possible.
Sources: BBC, Washington Post, CNN
Photo via BBC
