Unlock Women's Potential: Afghanistan & Pakistan

The first half of 2026 has brought several positive changes for Ascend, including strategic staff restructuring in both Afghanistan and Pakistan to better align our teams with organizational goals and maximize our impact. With these transitions now complete, our staff are fully engaged in expanding programs and creating new opportunities for women and girls across both countries.

Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, Ascend expanded its Entrepreneurship Training Program from one month to three months, providing participants with more comprehensive business development support, mentorship, and wellness training. To date, 40 women have completed the extended program, with a second cohort of 40 participants currently underway.

Ascend also launched a new partnership with Green Girls, a Canada-based environmental education initiative. Through this collaboration, participants are learning about climate change, environmental stewardship, and practical ways they can contribute to positive change in their communities. The inaugural sessions have been highly engaging, and participants have already completed several hands-on projects focused on understanding and reducing their environmental impact.

Pakistan

In Pakistan, Ascend expanded its geographic reach in 2026. In addition to continuing leadership development and community service programming in Skardu, Ascend has hosted introductory climbing events throughout Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad. These events have provided girls—and, in some cases, boys—with their first opportunity to experience rock climbing, helping them build confidence, resilience, and a greater sense of what they are capable of achieving.

Ascend has also expanded its mental health programming, delivering workshops for teachers, parents, students, and community members. These sessions have reached hundreds of individuals, equipping them with practical tools to support personal well-being, recognize signs of mental health challenges, and connect those in need with appropriate resources and support.

Across both countries, Ascend continues to prioritize reaching women and girls who have the most to gain from these opportunities. We remain on track to exceed last year's participation numbers and are excited about the growing impact of our programs in 2026.