In the latest segment of Wellness Wednesday, we spoke to Dr. Yakshen Lindy, dental surgeon. Although he is a medical practitioner, our conversation with him is a little different. As he prepares to embark on a massive climb for a greater cause, we get to pick his mind, getting into the “why” behind climbing Mount Everest.
Why Climb Mount Everest?
Dr. Lindy shares how his work as a medical professional in a maxillofacial trauma unit exposed him to the consequences of Gender-Based Violence. While it is an issue across all genders, women and children are still disproportionately affected.
In fact, statistics show that across their lifetime, 1 in 3 women, about 736 million globally, are subjected to physical or sexual violence.ย
What Is Influencing Gender-Based Violence Numbers?
While there are numerous factors influencing these numbers, he cites these: problematic gender norms, and unequal power relations. These seem to be rooted in cultural discrepancies. He proposes that it’s not enough to not be a perpetrator, we must act toward preventing it.
Through his climb of Mount Everest, he hopes to raise awareness of this global issue, specifically for the Impilo Foundation.ย
The Impilo Foundation
Impilo Foundation is an NPO that focuses on the development of “diverse groups of youth”. They aim to do this through various community projects and collaborations with other organizations. While they focus on gender-based violence, it’s just one pillar of the foundation. From sanitary pad distribution and food drives, to book drives and disaster management, the Foundation aims “to give an underprivileged person hope.”
Shared Values
What brought these two together was the king of the mountain. Angela Yeung completed a 6,200 m climb to Island Peak last year and climbed the mountain for two consecutive years before then. Along with this, their shared values brought them closer, with her organization’s work resonating with what he witnessed during his work in Mpumalanga.ย
Mount Everest – A Climb for Greater Goodย
In his climb, he aims to raise awareness and funds for the organization. He speaks on Impilo’s Bra Collection Programme, where they aim to collect 8,840 bras. This number symbolizes the height of Mount Everest.
This is extremely important, especially in rural communities, where these garments are mistaken as a “cause for sexual attention.” Upon his return, the initiative will begin to hopefully obtain sponsorships. Taking place on Give and Take Avenue, this public forum will be used to ensure all monetary donations are accounted for.ย
A New Challenge
Climbing a mountain is no easy feat, especially if it’s Mount Everest. However, this isn’t Dr. Lindy’s first rodeo. He talks to us about his climb to Base Camp last year over the over, which has an altitude of about 5,439 m. However, going up the actual mountain is a new challenge for him.ย
Leaving to begin his journey to Mount Everest on the 23rd of April, he speaks to us about the importance of training prior to beforehand, which will take about a month, and the methods he’s using to prepare. From using an AiroFit device to monitor his physical function to prioritizing his mental strength to persevere on this journey, watch the full interview below.
To stay up-to-date on his journey, keep an eye on his Instagram page. To find out how you can play your part in the initiative, visit the Impilo Foundation website and Facebook page. We all have a part to play in fighting this global crisis.
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