The Race Against Climate Change: The Women in the Lead

Deep breaths, twenty women strong and poised, ready to spring into action. With a flash of the flag the regal white dragon dancing in the wind and the starter gun still reverberating from the cliffs, they are off. Each step they bound forward through the scenic landscape of Gasa, each step purposeful and deliberate. Slowly emerging from the pack, one runner who starts to gain distance, sporting a red cap and a steady pace, is the determined 30-year-old, mother of three Karma Yangden. That sunny day, on October 13th 2021, Yangden would go on to triumphantly cross the finish line first for the “Women Race for Climate”.

The race was organized by the Snowman Race Secretariat and designed to raise awareness of climate change and advocate for climate action. No stranger to running, Yangden also tasted gold and secured first place in the 2016 Laya Race.

“I have always loved running but due to limited opportunities, I was only able to explore pursue my passion when the Laya run started. I was ecstatic with the chance to participate in something that I have always loved. It has been a few years since I last participated in a big race, I was filled with nervous excitement as I was competing with strong, experienced runners. However, I received a warm welcome and encouraging support and the overall experience motivated me to learn and do my part in spreading awareness about climate change. My inspiration in life are my children, they inspire me to do better and work hard for their future. So, I ran not only for myself but for them and the future of their generation” smiled Yangden.

Gasa Dzongkhag was selected not only for its breath-taking landscape and as the venue of the first International Snowman Race next year in October, but also because of the recent flash floods that swept away the Gasa Tsachu (hotspring) and the disastrous landslide that took place upstream at Ridruzhhi in Laya on the 16th June of this year - both of which are powerful testaments to the effects of climate change. This race was important to Yangden for a number of reasons, most significantly because she was one of the few survivors of the landslide that tragically claimed the lives of ten childhood friends and relatives. The brightness of her eyes and the softness in her speech belies the fact that Yangden is an embodiment of the reality of climate change and her quiet courage represents the capacity of the human spirit to rise up in the face of challenges.

“This race was important. The tragic event that happened at Ridruzhhi, deeply affected the community of Laya. We lost our friends and family members to it. This event not only brought home a sense of urgency regarding the very real dangers of climate change but also drew attention to it for our nation as a whole and hopefully other countries as well. It was a call to address it more seriously as it is happening now and at an alarming pace. Having been personally affected by this tragic event, I felt it my responsibility to represent the community of Laya to advocate for awareness of climate change. I wanted to help spread the message of the impact of climate change and also represent the women who are disproportionately affected by it” Yangden shared.

The Snowman Race (SMR) emanated from the vision of His Majesty the King to protect the natural environment and preserve the living and unique cultures of the remote communities, most adversely affected by climate change. SMR is essentially a call to take bold and transformative action to combat the climate crisis that the world is in. Unfortunately, the Snowman Race had to be postponed this year due to another pressing global issue, the COVID pandemic. Earlier this month, the 2021 United National Climate Change Conference, referred to as COP26, took place amid high expectations. The COP26 president Mr. Alok Sharma highlighted that gender and climate are profoundly intertwined and that impact of climate affects women and girls disproportionately.  In support of that, the ‘Women Race for Climate’ was designed as an all-women trail run to engage the women of Bhutan in proactively raising awareness of climate change. Answering this call and representing each dzongkhag in Bhutan, twenty female runners gathered at the starting line in Gasa on the auspicious 10th Royal Wedding Anniversary of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen.

“When the Gasa Dzongkhag reached out to me I was grateful for trusting me with their nomination and proud to represent my Dzongkhag in such a significant event. I was thrilled to take part in the event, surrounded by such inspiring and remarkable women. Being able to meet new people of different ages and walks of life but all gathered together for the same important cause was moving. As a mother, human being and a woman, this event meant a lot to me as it not only focused on climate change but emphasized the effect of climate change on the female population” an enthusiastic Yangden shared.

The global pandemic has far-reaching effects even on the idyllic mountains of Laya, where the livelihoods of the highlanders is being affected by a decrease in tourism and the inability to sell their wares such as cordyceps and incense powder. Yangden, staying true to her grit and unwavering spirit, adapted to the rise in the cost of food items and difficult times by starting her own vegetable farming,

“The pandemic has affected everyone and it is a difficult time, but with His Majesty’s enlightened leadership, we are able to lead a normal life. We understand that we have to work towards a common goal to give our future generations a better world to live in. Despite the challenges, I feel a great sense of joy and contentment being able to represent the community of Laya at the ‘Women Race for Climate’ event and having won first place was a personal triumph for me and for my community” beamed Yangden.

The issue of climate change does not wait for anyone but this mother of three who ran 17.5 KM in the face of it isn’t waiting around either,

“We are addressing climate change and raising awareness about it not just for the present but critically for the future generation. It is important for the younger generation especially women because climate change affects them more directly. I strongly feel that climate change is an important issue as it has not only affected the livelihoods of the Bhutanese community but all those living in the highlands. We are also surrounded by imminent dangers of melting glaciers which can burst at any moment. Climate change and global pandemic which have impacted our country and the world, remind us that we need to work together towards achieving a common goal for the sake of our future generations” Yangden said determinedly.

Article contributed by Jetsuen Wangmo for the UN/JICA We Care We Share Initiative