New reports show that more than 420,000 women in the Democratic Republic of Congo are raped each year -- roughly 48 per hour and 1,152 per day.

 Climb Take Action~7 Summits Challenge is a campaign dedicated to empowering women in war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo by climbing to raise awareness about the sexual gender based violence that has plagued them and funds to support their healing. The initiative was founded by Georgina Miranda with the goal of climbing both versions of the 7 summits (highest peak on each continent) and taking action to bring awareness and relief to these fellow women. These climbs are for them!

OUR MISSION: To raise $2.2 million in support for International Medical Corps and VDAY and to spread awareness about the worst sexual violence in the world in order to promote sustainable change for the women of Congo. 

To date Georgina has reached 5 of the 7 summits. All proceeds directly benefit VDAY and International Medical Corps and are 100% Tax Deductible. Both of these organizations work diligently to make sustainable improvements in the lives of these women and children. None of the funds raised go to any of the climbing expenses.

WHY CONGO?

Representing more than 80% the world’s refugees, women and children suffer most in emergencies, yet they hold the key to a healthy, peaceful future because of their resilience and determination. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suffered more than a decade of civil wars that have left millions dead and even greater numbers homeless. None have suffered more than the women and children. Congo Wars have claimed more lives than any conflict since the end of World War II, yet the crisis has received little attention outside of central Africa.

Although there are many humanitarian needs in the world, the case of the Congo, has been deemed to have the worst sexual violence in the world by John Holmes, UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs. New reports show that more than 420,000 women in the Democratic Republic of Congo are raped each year -- roughly 48 per hour and 1,152 per day. In our minds that is unacceptable and we can do something to help them.

Help us in our efforts to raise support and awareness that will that will bring the physical, emotional, and financial resources necessary to help women in Congo empower themselves and start sustainable change.

100% of your tax-deductible donation will go directly to V-DAY and International Medical Corps. All funds collected will be equally split by these two organizations, which are both 501(C) (3) registered.

International Medical Corps' tax identification 95-3949646

V-Day's tax identification 94-3389430

It is hard for any of us Westerners to imagine surviving some of the abuse and neglect these women and children have had to endure and continue to suffer through. We can do something to help them. I know I am amazed and inspired by thier stregnth and feel the need to help them in any way I can.

JOIN US AND FEATURE YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE FOR CLIMB TAKE ACTION

Contact us if you would like to dedicate your upcoming climb or personal challenge and support us in our efforts! 

WE WOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT AND GIVE SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE DEDICATING THIER CHALLENGE TO OUR CAUSE!

Kathy Setian (Climber), Hector Miranda (Trekker), Steve Prentice (Trekker), and Melanie O'Toole (Trekker) - Everest 2011 Supporters!! 

Ashley Chapman- Reached the summit of Kilimanjaro January 2010!! read more

Bianca Roman- trekked Machu Picchu, Peru on November 21, 2008 ! read more