First Afghan woman on Everest advocates for girls' rights

Zakia (River) Ahmad, a 31-year-old Afghan climber and refugee residing in Australia, has made history as the first woman from Afghanistan to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 21, 2026. Her groundbreaking achievement is intrinsically linked to her ongoing international campaign for the right of Afghan girls to education and the broader protection of women's rights.

Ahmad commenced her rigorous preparation for the expedition in 2025, concurrently launching a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe. She stated her climb was dedicated "for the freedom of women, education, and mental health," and to support Afghan girls denied schooling since the Taliban's return to power. Following her successful summit, Ahmad has intensified her advocacy, aiming to draw global attention to the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan and to continue her fundraising efforts.

Addressing the international community, Ahmad implores global support for Afghan women who have been systematically denied access to secondary and higher education for nearly five years. She views her mountaineering feat not merely as a personal sporting triumph but as a potent symbol of solidarity with women stripped of their fundamental rights. Ahmad believes her status as the first Afghan woman on Everest can serve as a crucial platform for raising awareness and bolstering educational initiatives.

According to Amu TV, Zakia Ahmad has called on the world to "not remain on the sidelines" and to become a voice for Afghan women whose rights are continually being restricted. Reports also highlight parallel actions by Afghan activists and diaspora members in Europe, particularly in Germany, where demands are being made for the reopening of schools and universities for girls in Afghanistan. Ahmad herself sought refugee status after experiencing an attack by the Taliban during her youth.

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not remain on the sidelines