Hi, my name is zakia (river ) and I’m fundraising to become the first Afghan woman to ever climb Mount Everest.

I am doing this climb to raise awareness for women’s rights, refugee courage, and mental health healing.

I grew up in Afghanistan, where girls are often told they are weak, or that their dreams are too big. After surviving war, fear, and displacement, I now live in Australia — and I want to show Afghan girls everywhere that we can rise to any height, even the top of the world.

Climbing Everest is extremely expensive. The funds will help cover:

• High-altitude training

• Professional guides and Sherpa support

• Climbing permits

• Oxygen tanks

• Safety equipment

• Insurance and travel

• Base camp logistics

This mission is personal. I am climbing for every woman who has lived in silence, fear, or limitation. For every refugee girl rebuilding her life. For anyone battling mental health and needing courage to keep going.

I’m halfway there — half of the funding is secured, and I need to pay the remaining amount.

Your support — big or small — will help me carry the voices of Afghan women all the way to the summit of the highest mountain on Earth.

Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you for helping me climb.

river