45
Days
12
Hours
44
Mins
29
Secs
left to apply
In the high-altitude landscapes of Tajikistan’s Pamir mountains, where opportunities for women remain limited and tourism is one of the few viable livelihoods, Furough Shakarmamadova chose a path few dared to follow. As a young woman passionate about nature, community, and justice, she stepped into the male-dominated world of mountain guiding — and brought a generation of girls with her.
Furough founded Women Rockin’ Pamirs, an organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women through mountaineering, leadership training, and eco-tourism. More than 50 women have already graduated from her programs, many of whom now earn their own income as guides or through homestays and handicrafts. Her work with the Pamirs Eco-Cultural Tourism Association (PECTA) has helped women gain confidence, professional skills, and new economic independence.
Now, as a 2025 Global Fellow in Courage, Furough is advancing an ambitious vision: a national Community-Based Eco-Tourism (CBET) model that strengthens local economies, protects the environment, and ensures women are at the decision-making table.
Her courage lies in daring to be different — and inspiring others to do the same.
Through the GFiC sessions, I gained valuable knowledge and felt deeply encouraged by the speakers. Inspired by this experience, I registered my own company, launched a website, and already have tours planned for the coming year. The company is dedicated to supporting Community-Based Eco-Tourism by creating income opportunities for local communities and actively involving more girls in the industry.
Courage means daring to be different — sharing and living by your beliefs without fear, no matter what others say. I consider myself courageous because when I established my organization, many thought I was unusual. But I didn’t let their doubts stop me. I followed my heart, stayed true to my vision, and ultimately succeeded.
My country is facing profound economic and social challenges, and tourism is one of the only viable industries that can help communities survive. By strengthening Community-Based Eco-Tourism, I aim to build resilience and create sustainable income. Equally important, I want to ensure women are included in decision-making so that tourism does not become a male-dominated industry.
Through Women Rockin’ Pamirs, we have trained more than 50 young women to become professional mountain guides and have offered mountaineering activities for teenage girls. Many of these women now earn their own income — something that makes me deeply proud.
I also worked with PECTA to support women involved in homestays and handicrafts. Seeing their confidence grow as they entered the tourism business was incredibly inspiring.
When I first established my organization, I knew I could make a real difference. Later, I earned a master’s degree in Environmental Science in the United States, which solidified my commitment. I fell in love with the idea of combining eco-tourism with environmental protection while ensuring women play a central role. Women have a unique ability to care deeply for the world around us, and I want to help amplify that.
I hope to establish a strong, efficient Community-Based Eco-Tourism model in Tajikistan — similar to the successful system in Kyrgyzstan. By working through my company and collaborating with the government, I want to create a sustainable national framework that supports communities, protects the environment, and strengthens tourism.
When I first started going to the mountains, people looked at me strangely — it was uncommon for local girls. When I began involving more girls, many in the community thought my ideas were unusual. But through persistence and hard work, I succeeded. Over time, the families of the girls became supportive, and today they proudly stand behind our initiatives.
I learned that the most sustainable way forward is to work independently with my local team. While we once had international partners, a lack of transparency made collaboration difficult. Building our own path has proven more effective, more transparent, and far less challenging.
Your work is reshaping what is possible for girls and women in the Pamirs. By insisting that women belong on the trails, in decision-making spaces, and in the center of Tajikistan’s eco-tourism future, you’re creating opportunities that didn’t exist a decade ago. The confidence and independence that so many young women now carry — thanks to your trainings and mentorship — is a direct reflection of your courage and persistence.
