Building Strength and Solidarity: WOAM’s Global Impact on Women’s Empowerment
Singapore, 26 March 2025 – In an exclusive interview with IN Diplomacy, Christine Amour-Levar, Co-Founder of Women on a Mission (WOAM), shared insights into the organisation’s transformative work in empowering women through adventure and advocacy. Featured in the Ambassadors of Change column, Amour-Levar highlighted WOAM’s role in fostering resilience, supporting survivors of violence, and uniting women from diverse backgrounds. The interview coincides with International Women’s Day, a global celebration of female strength, resilience, and potential.
Q: As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what’s your message to the world about building a more inclusive and empowered future for women?
Let’s remember that inclusion isn’t a favour- it’s a necessity. True progress depends on the empowerment of women and girls, not just in boardrooms and parliaments, but in refugee camps, rural communities, and urban slums. A more inclusive world is one where women are not only safe and supported but also seen and heard. We must amplify their voices and invest in their potential – for when women rise, we all rise.
Q: What role does WOAM play in bringing people together to support and empower women?
WOAM uses the power of adventure and solidarity to unite women from diverse backgrounds to champion the rights of those affected by violence, conflict, and inequality. Through our expeditions, we create unique spaces for connection and reflection—what begins as a personal challenge becomes a collective mission to support survivors of war, abuse, and injustice.
Q: What are some of the biggest struggles women survivors of war, abuse, and violence face today?
Beyond physical safety, the real struggle is often reclaiming identity and agency. Many survivors face societal stigma, economic hardship, lack of access to healthcare, and deep psychological trauma. What’s heartbreaking is that their pain often goes unseen. Through partners like Women for Women International, we help provide safe spaces, vocational training, and emotional support to rebuild their lives.
Q: Why do you utilise adventure and physical challenges as a way to empower women?
Because adventure changes us. When you’ve crossed a desert or climbed a mountain, you realise how strong you truly are. I’ve seen women transform through these journeys—from self-doubt to self-belief. During our trek to Everest Base Camp in 2012, our very first WOAM expedition became a catalyst for deep personal growth and global impact. We raised $150,000 for women survivors of war and sparked a sisterhood that still endures.
Q: Which expeditions stand out the most to you, and how have they made a difference?
Each one has its soul, but trekking across Siberia with the Nenets reindeer herders in -36°C stands out. We drank raw reindeer blood to survive and learned humility from indigenous wisdom. Equally powerful was our crossing of the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia, the hottest place on earth. In both places, we raised critical funds, but more importantly, we raised awareness about women’s resilience, the climate crisis, and human strength in adversity.
Q: How do these experiences change the lives of both the women who go on the expeditions and the women who receive support?
The women who join our expeditions often return with a renewed sense of purpose and courage – many go on to launch projects or advocate for causes. For the women we support, the impact is tangible: safe shelter, education, skills training, and often a path to financial independence. One woman we supported in Afghanistan, Farha, started her own tailoring business after graduating from a vocational program—she is now a pillar in her community.
Q: What would you say to women who feel powerless in the face of gender-based violence and inequality?
You are not alone. There is a sisterhood across the world standing with you. Reach out, speak up, and take the first small step. The path may be hard, but healing is possible—and so is reclaiming your power. Every woman has a voice, and together, we can ensure it is heard.
Q: What can we all do to help create a safer and more supportive world for women?
Educate. Advocate. Amplify. Whether you mentor, donate, volunteer, or simply listen – every action matters. We must teach the next generation that equality is not optional and that compassion is a strength. Building a safer world for women starts with creating cultures of respect, empathy, and justice in our homes, schools, and workplaces.
Q: WOAM has been active for over a decade. How has your mission grown, and what’s next?
What started as one trek to Everest Base Camp has evolved into a global movement. WOAM has now led over 13 expeditions, raised over USD 1.5 million, and directly supported thousands of women worldwide. What’s next? We’re deepening our work with young women and girls, integrating more mental health initiatives, and exploring additional collaborations with indigenous communities, whose wisdom is vital to our planet’s future. We’re also telling these stories more boldly—through film, media, and mentorship.
