This International Women's Day, a groundbreaking expedition is set to challenge the icy frontiers of Antarctica, and at its heart are two remarkable women from Yellowknife, Canada. But here’s where it gets inspiring: Geela Qaqqasiq, an Inuk woman with deep roots in the Arctic, and Susan R. Eaton, a visionary geoscientist, are among 25 women from nine countries embarking on a journey to the southernmost reaches of our planet. This isn’t just another expedition—it’s a testament to resilience, diversity, and the power of women in science and exploration.
Organized by Sea Women Expeditions, a group founded by Eaton in 2013, the 2026 voyage will traverse the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, South Orkneys, South Shetlands, and the Western Antarctic Peninsula from February 14 to March 10. And this is the part most people miss: the expedition isn’t just about reaching Antarctica; it’s about bridging the North and South, sharing firsthand experiences of climate change, and fostering global understanding.
Qaqqasiq, a Yellowknife resident for over three decades, was stunned when Eaton invited her to join. ‘I was really shocked, and I was so happy,’ she shared with Cabin Radio. For Qaqqasiq, this journey is a dream come true—her only other international travel was three years ago when she sailed through the Northwest Passage with Aurora Expeditions. ‘It was beyond my expectations,’ she recalled. Now, she’s eager to see penguins and sea lions in the wild, a stark contrast to the aquariums she’s visited.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Qaqqasiq plans to bring her Northern perspective to the South, highlighting the rapid changes in the Arctic. ‘I’ll bring the North to the south, about the climate change, about what I’ve seen first-hand in the high Arctic and the challenges we face,’ she said. Her journey is a reminder that climate change isn’t just data—it’s lived experiences, cultural shifts, and urgent calls to action.
Eaton’s vision for Sea Women Expeditions is clear: create a safe, inclusive space for women to engage in polar exploration, science, and community work. Through programs like Bringing the Ocean to Eye Level, the organization uses portable aquariums and snorkeling to introduce Inuit youth, women, and Elders to marine life in its natural habitat. And this is the part that sparks debate: by blending traditional knowledge with modern science, Eaton’s team is redefining how we study and protect our oceans.
The expedition also includes underwater robotics workshops, where children design vehicles to explore marine life beneath the surface. ‘We’re going to Antarctica to study ocean change and climate change in a place warming as rapidly as the High Arctic,’ Eaton explained. With scuba divers, snorkelers, and robots in tow, the team aims to map Antarctica’s underwater world.
But here’s the question that lingers: Can diverse perspectives truly transform how we address climate change? Eaton believes so. ‘Women are the glue that binds communities together,’ she said. ‘Diversity is crucial—it’s a different way of seeing and experiencing the planet.’
As Qaqqasiq reflects on her hometown of Arctic Bay, she notes alarming changes: salmon appearing where they never were, ice forming later, and unprecedented warmth. ‘They had -4°C in December—it’s unbelievable,’ she said. These shifts aren’t just numbers; they’re disrupting livelihoods, traditions, and ecosystems.
And this is the part that challenges us all: as the expedition coincides with International Women’s Day, it’s a call to action. How can we amplify voices like Qaqqasiq’s and Eaton’s? How can we ensure that diverse perspectives lead the fight against climate change? Let’s not just observe—let’s participate, question, and act. What’s your take? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
