The Women Who Inspire Us Series

At empowered.travel, we celebrate fearless women shaping the future of adventure travel, exploration, and a healthier, more connected planet. Throughout history, women explorers, pioneers, and change-makers have defied expectations, broken barriers, and redefined the way we experience the world.

Continuing our series, we want to highlight an extraordinary woman who scaled not just mountains but also the limits placed on women in adventure—Wanda Rutkiewicz.

Wanda Rutkiewicz – The Trailblazing Queen of the Himalayas 🏔️

Wanda Rutkiewicz was more than a mountaineer—she was a force of nature. As one of the greatest climbers of all time, she paved the way for women in high-altitude mountaineering, proving that strength, resilience, and ambition know no gender.

Born in Poland in 1943, Wanda quickly became a standout in the male-dominated world of climbing. In 1978, she made history as the first European woman and the third woman ever to summit Mount Everest. But she didn’t stop there. She went on to become the first woman to conquer K2, the world’s second-highest and most dangerous peak, in 1986—a feat that remains one of the most remarkable achievements in mountaineering history.

Interesting Facts About Wanda Rutkiewicz:

• Before becoming a climber, Wanda was a skilled athlete in volleyball and even played for the Polish national team.
• She was an electrical engineer by profession and worked in computer technology before dedicating herself fully to mountaineering.
• Wanda gifted Pope John Paul II a small stone from Mount Everest when she visited the Vatican after her historic climb in 1978.
• She was the first woman to summit Nanga Parbat in 1985, adding another milestone to her already impressive career.
• Her ultimate goal was to be the first woman to climb all fourteen of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks—an ambition she pursued relentlessly until her disappearance in 1992.

What set Wanda apart was not just her skill but her unwavering determination. At a time when female mountaineers faced skepticism and exclusion, she refused to be sidelined. She led all-women expeditions, championed the presence of women in extreme adventure sports, and inspired countless climbers to defy expectations. Her dream was to become the first woman to summit all fourteen of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. Tragically, she disappeared on her ninth—Kangchenjunga—in 1992, but her legacy continues to inspire generations.

A Legacy of Strength and Empowerment

Beyond her climbing records, Wanda was a pioneer for gender equality in adventure sports. She fought against the limitations imposed on women in extreme environments and became a role model for perseverance, courage, and self-belief. Her story reminds us that adventure is not just about conquering summits—it’s about breaking barriers, embracing challenges, and pushing past what the world believes is possible.

Wanda’s impact can still be felt in the mountaineering world today, as more women step forward to take on the heights she once dreamed of. Her fearless spirit continues to echo in every climber who dares to stand on top of the world.

Her extraordinary life and legacy are now being explored in a new documentary by filmmaker Eliza Kubarska (read an interview with the director here), offering a deeper insight into Wanda’s journey, struggles, and the immense impact she left on the world of mountaineering.

Explore more about Wanda Rutkiewicz’s extraordinary journey: 🔹 Learn More About Her Life

🌍 What does fearlessness mean to you? Share in the comments! 🏔️ Tag a friend who inspires you to take on new challenges!

Stay tuned as we continue this series with more extraordinary women:
🧗 Sasha DiGiulian – A world-renowned rock climber who has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the climbing world. Beyond her climbing achievements, Sasha is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and gender equality in sports. She uses her platform to promote inclusion in the outdoor industry, mentor young athletes, and support initiatives that inspire more women to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
🌿 Lise Wortley – A modern-day explorer committed to retracing the footsteps of historic female adventurers, all while using traditional gear.
🚣 Kiko Matthews – An inspiring endurance athlete who broke records as a solo rower while championing environmental sustainability.

This is more than a tribute; it’s a movement. Let’s honor these incredible women and inspire more to step into the unknown. Share this post, tag an adventurer, and celebrate the power of fearless women! 💪✨

Thinking of your own solo adventure? Explore how to start here.

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