1978 American Women's Himalayan Expedition

In 1978 a group of women were the first Americans to reach the summit of Annapurna, widely regarded as the most difficult mountain in the world. Arlene Blum, an accomplished climber and biochemist from Berkeley, organized the American Women’s Himalayan Expedition, after no men would let her join their climb. They said she could come along – but only to cook. The 10 women sold shirts with the slogan “A Woman’s Place is on Top” to finance the trip. They relied on their uniquely collaborative nature to reach the summit, in a sport historically driven by ego and competition. Two women would not come back. Following their great achievement, many men would try to denigrate the climb, some going so far as to write letters to the American Alpine Journal in their girlfriend’s names. Arlene Blum wrote an account of the expedition in her book Annapurna: A Woman’s Place. She puts on the Berkeley Himalayan Fair to this day.

I appreciate that rather than trying to succeed on the terms of men, these women broke their own trail, and yet still saw men try to discount their historic accomplishment. I’m sure many women can relate. I created these posters as an homage to these amazing climbers, and to celebrate the inspirational women I have the privilege to work with every day at Facebook.

Metallic gold ink on French Paper Co Nightshift blue.