For all that women hold the capability of doing today, there have been several women in the past that dared to do it at a time where the world seemed to be stacked against them. Adding her name to this list of women who performed many ‘firsts’ in the world is Captain Preet Chandi, who has become the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition across Antarctica.
Captain Chandi is a British-born Sikh who serves in the British Army as a physiotherapist. She spent two years preparing herself for this expedition, and when she did set out for it, she trekked 700 miles in 40 days - an unbelievable feat.
She began the expedition on 7 November 2021, and for its entire duration, battled winds of speeds up to 60 mph and hauled a 90kg sledge behind her.
“The expedition was always about so much more than me. I want to encourage people to push their boundaries and to believe in themselves, and I want you to be able to do it without being labelled a rebel.”
— Captain Preet Chandi
She is accurate when she says that achievements can be obtained without being labelled as rebellious. Women of colour, especially, are forced to go above and beyond to prove their worth and even then receive backlash for being too ambitious, goal-oriented, and even selfish.
We hold nothing but appreciation and respect for Captain Chandi and hope that her endeavours set an example for younger women of colour across the world. For all the women out there, your accomplishments are yours to earn, and yours to be proud of.
Find out more about Captain Chandi here.
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