Born: 1982 (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Biography:
Wasfia Nazreen (born 1982) is a Bangladeshi mountaineer, activist, environmentalist, social worker, and writer. She is widely known as the first Bangladeshi and first Bengali to complete the Seven Summits on 18 November 2015, marking a significant milestone in both her personal achievements and for her country.
Nazreen’s life has been dedicated to pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. She has become a symbol of resilience and determination, inspiring countless individuals around the world. Her remarkable journey began in Dhaka, where she was born as Wasfia Nazreen Chowdhuryin. She is the youngest child and only daughter of Mahmuda Nahar (Ruby), a musician and teacher, and Nazmee Jahan Chowdhury, an executive at James Finlay Bangladesh.
Growing up, Nazreen lived in Khulna and later moved to Chittagong with her family. She attended Sunflower Nursery school and Coronation Girls’ High School, where she received her early education. Despite facing the challenges of a broken family, Nazreen’s spirit remained unbreakable. In 1996, at the age of thirteen, her parents officially divorced, and she went to live with her aunt and uncle in Dhaka. There, she enrolled in the English medium Scholastica school, completing her education amidst the emotional turmoil of being separated from her parents and her elder brother, Sarwar N. Chowdhury.
Nazreen’s determination and resilience continued to shape her path. In high school, she participated in sports such as volleyball and handball, showcasing her athletic abilities. Alongside her sporting pursuits, she also developed a passion for theater and studied it during her time in school. These early experiences laid the foundation for the incredible achievements she would go on to accomplish.
Being the first Bangladeshi and Bengali to conquer the Seven Summits was not the sole triumph of Nazreen’s career. She has been recognized and honored by National Geographic as one of their Adventurers of the Year 2014/2015, citing her activism and dedication to empowering women through her adventurous pursuits. In 2016, she further cemented her place in history by becoming the only woman to hold the simultaneous titles of National Geographic Explorer and Adventurer.
Nazreen’s influence reaches far beyond mountaineering and exploration. She is a prominent advocate for various causes, including animal rights, human rights situations in Tibet, environmental impacts, Bangladeshi women’s rights (including sex workers and garment factory workers), and indigenous groups. Her campaigns have raised awareness and sparked conversations on important societal issues.
Notably, Nazreen is credited in Bangladesh’s history as a national inspiration and one of the legendary women who have made pioneering contributions to the country. Her achievements have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of Bangladeshi women to dream big and challenge societal norms.
In December 2019, Nazreen’s impact extended globally when she was featured in UN Women’s Generation Equality campaign. Her role as an activist and trailblazer has been recognized on an international scale. In March 2021, she was one of the activists chosen to launch UNESCO’s worldwide Forum on Biodiversity, solidifying her commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable practices.
Nazreen’s extraordinary life and accomplishments have left an indelible mark on women’s history. Her unwavering dedication, fierce determination, and passionate advocacy have made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for women around the world. Through her achievements and activism, she continues to redefine what is possible for women, breaking down barriers and challenging societal expectations.
Awards:
– National Geographic Adventurers of the Year 2014/2015
– National Geographic Explorer
– Outside magazine’s 40 Women in 40 Years for advancing and challenging the outdoor world
– Men’s Journal’s 25 Most Adventurous Women of the Past 25 Years