Dutch ambassador to Sudan, Susan Blankhart, pledged to swim across the Nile if her embassy's Facebook page received 10,000 likes.
Dutch ambassador to Sudan, Susan Blankhart, pledged to swim across the Nile if her embassy's Facebook page received 10,000 likes.
Yousra Elbagir
The swim was also a bid to to raise awareness of the issue of drowning in the river. Blankhart was joined by six other Dutch Women and seven Sudanese women, all sporting bright orange swimsuits (in keeping with Holland's national colors).
The swim was also a bid to to raise awareness of the issue of drowning in the river. Blankhart was joined by six other Dutch Women and seven Sudanese women, all sporting bright orange swimsuits (in keeping with Holland's national colors).
Yousra Elbagir
Drowning is a huge issue in Sudan. According to estimates from the World Health Organization, 372,000 people drown yearly. More than 90% of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries.
Drowning is a huge issue in Sudan. According to estimates from the World Health Organization, 372,000 people drown yearly. More than 90% of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries.
Yousra Elbagir
"It was a great bond between us," says the Ambassador. "We stopped mid-way, cheered each other on and came out of the water together."
"It was a great bond between us," says the Ambassador. "We stopped mid-way, cheered each other on and came out of the water together."
Yousra Elbagir
Jovial shouts of "female power!" came from the Ambassador and her fellow swimmers as they prepared to dive into the Nile. In 2015, UK-based charity Nile Swimmers trained 56 women as instructors and lifeguards.
Jovial shouts of "female power!" came from the Ambassador and her fellow swimmers as they prepared to dive into the Nile. In 2015, UK-based charity Nile Swimmers trained 56 women as instructors and lifeguards.
Yousra Elbagir
Ambassador Blankhart stops for a selfie with the Khartoum Sea Scouts. The Sudanese lifeguard group run a youth club aimed at swimming and lifeguard training for local children.
Ambassador Blankhart stops for a selfie with the Khartoum Sea Scouts. The Sudanese lifeguard group run a youth club aimed at swimming and lifeguard training for local children.
Yousra Elbagir
"I really hope this pushes more girls to learn how to swim," says 12-year-old Tala Shihab, after completing the challenge.
"I really hope this pushes more girls to learn how to swim," says 12-year-old Tala Shihab, after completing the challenge.
Yousra Elbagir