Twin sisters Nungshi and Tashi Malik of India are raising awareness about inequality against young girls in their country by climbing the tallest peaks on each of the seven continents.

They've already topped Mount Everest, and in just a couple of months they're going to go for Antarctica's Mount Vinson, named after longtime Georgia Congressman Carl Vinson.

GPB's "All Things Considered" host Rickey Bevington recently talked with the twins through Skype from their home in northern India.

She began by asking them why they chose climbing mountains for their cause.

Rickey Bevington (host GPB All Things Considered): There are many ways to draw attention to a cause. Why did you two choose to climb mountains?

Nungshi Malik (mountaineer, Mission 2 for 7): Conquering Everest is the logical wish of every serious mountaineer. During our courses in the institute, which is the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, we were exposed to the high altitudes in 2010. For us, it was a total revelation. I would say a complete, deep inner change, and I think mountains have cast spell on us. But the reason why we wanted to support this cause was because we two are girls, for one, and we have roots in one of the most conservative parts of the northern state of India which is the state of Haryana.

Rickey Bevington: And what are girls in your region in India saying? How is this project actually translating into helping the girl child in your community?

Tashi Malik (mountaineer, Mission 2 for 7): Tashi here. Having done Everest, a lot of parents tell us that what we have done,has inspired not only them, but it has also made them aware that what girls want to do -- if they have this big ambition in life -- they too, can achieve them.

Rickey Bevington: Tell us about this particular mountain that’s named after Georgia’s very own Congressman. What specific challenges does Mount Vinson pose for you?

Nungshi Malik: The pressure systems are very different. You know, controlled by the polar ice caps. So I believe the temperature would drop down to minus 40, minus 50, degrees Celsius. So temperature is definitely a big challenge there. And this would be our first expedition where we would be under sunlight for 24 hours. We’ve trekked on glaciers and extreme temperatures. But to strike a balance between extreme solar radiation and temperatures dropping down to minus 40, I think there’s going to be a huge challenge for us to deal with that situation.

Rickey Bevington (host GPB All Things Considered): Well, I know that your father was one of your inspirations for learning about mountaineering. But I have to ask, what does your family say when you are heading off to remote mountain?

Tashi Malik: Hi, this is Tashi here again. It’s very difficult to convince mom. I think in India mothers are really concerned. I would say all across the world. And having both their daughters go on expeditions, she’s literally worried 24-7. But then again, no news is good news for her. So we try to avoid sharing any negative incidents about the climb, but we do share that with Dad often.

Rickey Bevington: Well, I hope that you will stay in touch throughout the process, and we will try not to worry too much about you in this final ascent. But we will talk to you on the other side how about that?

Nungshi Malik: Sounds good!

Tags: Rickey Bevington, India, mount vinson, antarctica, mountain, girl child