Her historic summit is only the beginning. Together, we can fund education, safety, and opportunity for women denied their basic rights.
A Baba Mazari Foundation campaign to raise $200,000 for 1,000 women’s education opportunities.
Baba Mazari Foundation - Australia is honoured to support a historic and deeply symbolic mission.
When River stood on the summit of Everest, she carried more than a flag. She carried the dreams of millions of women of Afghanistan who are told they cannot learn, cannot work, cannot rise.
“I climbed Everest because women of Afghanistan are told they cannot rise. I climbed to show that we can.” — River
Zakia, a courageous Hazara woman and a symbol of resilience, has climbed Mount Everest — the highest peak on Earth. Her climb is more than a personal challenge; it is a powerful act of solidarity with the women and girls of Afghanistan, whose right to education has been stripped away.
While classrooms have been closed to them, their determination has not.
While their voices have been silenced, their dreams have not faded.
Zakia climbed to honour their courage - and to help reopen the doors that were unjustly shut.
Education Is Under Attack - But Women Continue to Learn in Secret!
Across Afghanistan, women and girls are fighting to learn in hidden rooms, basements, and underground schools. Teachers risk their safety to keep knowledge alive. Young women study online in the shadows, hoping for a future where education is not a crime.
Zakia’s climb shines a light on their struggle - and invites the world to stand with them. Her message is simple and powerful: Every woman deserves the right to learn, to dream, and to rise.
This campaign aims to raise $200,000 to support 1,000 women and girls through:
Zakia’s journey to the summit of Everest is more than a personal challenge. It’s a powerful symbol of resilience, courage, and hope for the women and girls of Afghanistan. Every step she takes represents those still fighting for opportunity, education, and a brighter future. By supporting this campaign, you become part of something bigger than a climb: a movement to uplift voices, create change, and prove that together, no mountain is too high.
Support the initiative directly and help fund womens education in Afghanistan. Become part of the climb and make a donation today!
Awareness is powerful. Share the campaign. Talk about it. Bring others into the movement. Share Zakias story now!
You can sponsor a woman’s education for a year. It’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. Contact us for details!
Help amplify Zakia’s mission by representing the campaign, sharing the story, and inspiring others to support women’s education. Contact us for details.
30 May 2026
As I descend from the highest point on earth, my heart is filled with gratitude and humility. This climb was never just a sporting achievement; it was a journey made possible through the love, prayers, and support of the people who stood beside me every step of the way.
Above all, thanks to my parents and I bow my head in respect to my mother; a woman whose patience, tears, prayers, and unwavering faith carried me to the top of the world. Every step I took on the ice of Everest was a step she carried in her heart.
I am deeply grateful to all my friends, companions, coaches, and everyone who supported me throughout this challenging path. You were the strength that pushed me forward in the hardest moments.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Baba Mazari Foundation; an organisation that not only supported me financially and morally, but also believed that this climb could amplify the voices of a thousand Afghan women and girls. Without their trust and support, this dream would never have become reality.
But this is not the end.
This is only the beginning of my journey.
My goal was never just to reach the summit.
My true purpose is to raise the voices of a thousand Afghan women and girls; women who, over the past four years, have been deprived of their most basic human rights: education, freedom, and the ability to dream.
I invite all of you to stand with me and with the Baba Mazari Foundation on this path.
Let us hold the hands of these women and girls.
Let us ensure their voices are not silenced.
Let us revive hope together.
21 May 2026
History Made: Today at 7:20 AM, Zakia “River” Ahmad reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first Hazara Afghan woman in history to stand on the top of the world. A moment of courage. A moment of hope. A moment for every girl and woman from Afghanistan told she cannot dream.
River climbed not just for herself; she climbed for the women and children of Afghanistan, carrying their stories to the highest point on Earth.
Her message is simple: women of Afghanistan are strong, capable, and unstoppable. As she descends safely with her Sherpa team, we honour her strength and extraordinary effort reaching 8,849m under immense physical strain.
This climb was a mission; and the mission continues.
24 April 2026
Baba Mazari Foundation - Australia is honoured to support a historic and deeply symbolic mission.
Zakia Mehtar Ebrahimi is now on her way to becoming the first woman of Afghanistan to climb Mount Everest — and she is dedicating every step of this extraordinary journey to the women of Afghanistan, especially Hazara Afghan women, who continue to face some of the harshest restrictions and injustices in the world.
Zakia’s climb shines a light on their struggle - and invites the world to stand with them. Her message is simple and powerful: Every woman deserves the right to learn, to dream, and to rise.
The Baba Mazari Foundation proudly supports Zakia’s historic ascent. Her journey reflects our shared belief that education is a right, not a privilege, and that empowering women is essential to the future of Afghanistan.
When Zakia stands on the summit of Everest, she will carry with her the hopes of 1,000 women whose futures you help unlock, the strength of her Hazara identity, the resilience of every girl learning in secret, and the solidarity of a global community that refuses to look away
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