Climbing Program Helps Afghan Women Adjust To New Life

Team Ascend talks escaping the Taliban, their love of climbing and what's next as women in the U.S.

Fighting an uphill battle is nothing new for the women of Afghanistan, especially for those who participate in sports. 

"It all started with the climbing," Sughra, a member of Ascend, said. "It made me feel so powerful, so strong, that I was like yeah I can fight even though society is against this thing, but I feel that it's right so I can fight it."

"Doing very rare sports like climbing was very unusual in Afghanistan," Mina, Ascend member, said. "It was amazing. It was very new for me and very adventurous. I love the world I got into, the climbing world, and it’s all because of Ascend."