The group set sail on the 31st of December last year from the southern Argentinian city of Ushuaia. Strong winds meant the passage took longer than expected.
"Gender equality is just like an iceberg. We see the top and even that can be difficult to reach. Below the surface, are all the hidden structures. We need to collaborate to account for what is on the surface and what is underneath", @MetteHoe https://t.co/08R9HNcuPZ #TeamHB3 pic.twitter.com/zsF82nflyo
— ACCIONA (English) (@ACCIONA_EN) January 8, 2019
It was the dream of Australian activist and consultant Fabian Dattner who worked in collaboration with Antarctic marine scientist Jess-Melbourne Thomas to make it a reality.
Co-Founder of #HomewardBound @FabianDattner delivers an inspiring speech to #TeamHB3 during their opening dinner at Los Cauquenes Resort in #Ushuaia.
"We are ready to step up and lead for the future of the planet."
📷 by Sofia Oiseth – Research Scientist pic.twitter.com/jMJpTQjR0M— Homeward Bound (@HomewardBound16) January 2, 2019
They gained the support of scientific bodies and women of influence globally, created a strong leadership team and teaching faculty to get the project off the ground. In 2015, the project went viral and the first leadership program and Homeward Bound Antarctic voyage took place in 2016.
Just about to leave for magnificent Antarctica with its million tones of white/blue and its infinite tonalities of deep silence. Onboard @HomewardBound16 with 80 women on #TeamHB3 expedition. Back Jan 21!
— Christiana Figueres (@CFigueres) December 31, 2018
Homeward Bound aims to reach 1,000 women around the world, with backgrounds in science, in the next few years through its program.