It all started with a vision: to break barriers, empower young women, and redefine what it means to feel at home in the mountains. Ajo Mal - She is Mountain was launched as an ambitious project to bring together 20 young women from across Kosovo, aged 17 to 33, who share a passion for hiking, mountaineering, and nature. Led by the inspiring mountaineer Uta Ibrahimi, this initiative is not just about reaching summits – it's about developing leadership, promoting sustainable mountain tourism, and proving that women belong in every landscape, especially the wild ones.
The Journey Begins: Selection and Preparation
From the start, Ajo Mal stood out through its blend of adventure and structured training. Following an open call to schools, NGOs, outdoor clubs, and sports associations, participants were selected based on their motivation, fitness, and enthusiasm. The finalists received high-quality BLACKYAK gear – a crucial step in turning curious beginners into confident mountaineers. For many, it was the first time wearing technical outdoor clothing: waterproof jackets, durable shoes, insulating layers – each piece carefully chosen to protect them from the elements and ensure freedom of movement in challenging terrain.
But this clothing was more than just protection – it was a symbol of preparation, resilience, and respect for nature's unpredictability. In mountaineering, high-quality equipment is not a luxury but a foundation for safety and endurance. By emphasizing the right gear from the beginning, Ajo Mal allowed the young women to fully focus on learning how to climb, navigate, and survive.
Before taking their first step into the field, participants gathered for an intensive info session with Uta Ibrahimi. Her moving speech about the transformative power of mountains introduced the group to the project. It also included practical tips on expedition prep, team building, and handling alpine challenges. Experienced mountain guides taught layering principles, gear care, navigation, and weather observation – essential basics for safe tours. For many, it was their first encounter with the wilderness, and these lessons marked their entry into a new world of discipline, responsibility, and respect.
The evening concluded with a screening of the documentary "Uta: The Climb for Kosovo". The film about Kosovo’s first female alpinist became a reflection of the journey ahead for these young women. They left with new knowledge, a deeper sense of belonging, and excitement for their own adventure.
Three Stages, One Goal: Empowerment
The journeys led through three spectacular regions: the Sharr Mountains, the Rugova Mountains, and Lubinje. These expeditions were more than hikes – they were immersive learning experiences in alpine skills, sustainable tourism, and environmental conservation.
The first stage, “Zanat e Sharrit” (The Fairies of Sharr), was marked by sisterhood, adventure, and learning. The motto of Dita Mula, Kosovo’s alpine pioneer, “Women are made for mountains, and mountains are made for women”, became the guiding principle.
The second stage led into the wild landscapes of Rugova and the Albanian Alps – with technical challenges such as via ferratas, navigation training, and first aid exercises. The women spent their nights bivouacking under the stars. Joining them was Mrika Nikqi, the youngest woman to complete the Seven Summits. Her visit boosted motivation for the ascent of Hajla Peak the following day.
The final stage took place in Lubinje. Here, women from a range of professions – doctors, lawyers, engineers – came together and combined their careers with newly acquired alpine skills. With minimal gear, they built a bivouac for six people, proving that the spirit of adventure knows no bounds.
These journeys were lessons in courage, confidence, and solidarity. They showed that these women don’t just conquer mountains – they are part of them.
More Than a Project: A Movement
From the beginning, Ajo Mal was also envisioned as a platform for storytelling and empowerment. A ten-minute film captured the highlights, challenges, and triumphs of the expeditions. Premieres in Prishtina, Prizren, and Peja created space for discussion and inspiration.
With each step, the participants shattered stereotypes and showed that women belong in the mountains just as much as rocks and rivers. Ajo Mal wasn’t just an expedition – it was a call to action.
Reclaiming the Mountains
The mountains of Kosovo have witnessed much suffering in the past – especially during the 1999 war. Ajo Mal seeks to rewrite that narrative. Today, these mountains are a symbol of freedom, resilience, and opportunity.
The participating women not only gained elevation but also strengthened their confidence. They proved: the mountains belong to all of us. Each summit was a declaration: “I belong here.”
Ajo Mal is not just a film – it is a living testament to how adventure and nature can empower young women and inspire them to forge their own paths – in the mountains and in life.
