Members of a team of women aiming to ski across Antarctica to the South Pole are to give a public lecture on their planned expedition tomorrow (Tuesday 11 March).

The lecture will take place at the Lucy Cavendish College Centre for Women and Leadership at 5.30pm and will discuss the issues of leadership, ageing, and group dynamics facing the women in this extreme environment.

The Centre for Women and Leadership (CWL) and the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Social and Political Sciences are undertaking a study on the expedition members. Dr Eileen Richardson, Director of the CWL, believes this research will provide an opportunity to observe the team as they train, maintain motivation, and develop physical and emotional fitness.

"The research will cover preparation for the venture, what it's like out there, and what happens when they get home. Along with mental stamina, how decisions are made and how their bodies cope are issues that will emerge as fundamental to the success of the venture. Our research aims to map and evaluate these issues," she said.

All the members of the team are aged between 50 and 60-years-old with many different reasons for joining the expedition. One of the speakers, Lynne Berry, explains her motivation for undertaking the expedition:

"The challenge of this expedition is in proving that older women can achieve astonishing goals, work together effectively, face great danger with confidence, and determine that age will be no barrier to courage and success."

Caroline Brock and Dorothy Dalton will also be speaking at the event. The 10 members of the team are to leave for their expedition in December 2004.

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