Anuradha Koirala

Born on April 14, 1949, Anuradha Koirala grew up in a family deeply committed to serving humanity. Her father, Colonel Pratap Singh Gurung, and her mother, Laxmi Gurung, instilled in her the belief that the noblest work one could do is to help others. Growing up in such an environment, Anuradha was naturally drawn to the idea of making a meaningful difference in the world. She studied at Saint Joseph Convent School in Kalimpong, India, where the nuns further nurtured her passion for social work and caring for the less fortunate.

In 1993, Ms. Koirala founded Maiti Nepal with the aim of providing services for both children and women who have endured untold pain and suffering being trafficked within and from Nepal for commercial sexual exploitation. She set up her organization with a vow to put an end to this heinous crime. Since its establishment, Maiti Nepal has been a highly active member of the South Asian anti-human trafficking network, Action Against Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children (ATSEC).

Over the years, the organization has expanded its services to include three prevention homes, sixteen transit homes, two rehabilitation homes, two hospices, one child protection home, one primary health care center, and a high school. Every day, more than a thousand women and children get direct support from Maiti Nepal.

“Please close your eyes and take every child as your own daughter so you will feel their sorrow. And then, you will feel the strength that comes out of you to protect them.”

The organization conducts awareness campaigns, community sensitization, and rescue operations, and assists in apprehending traffickers. It also provides legal support, women’s empowerment programs, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) for children and women affected by HIV.

Koirala’s achievements include liberating twelve thousand girls from brothels, providing ART before the government of Nepal could initiate this process. Due to her persistent efforts, the Government of Nepal formally recognized Anti-Trafficking Day, observed on September 5. Through its comprehensive approach to combating trafficking, Maiti Nepal has rescued nearly 55,000 women and children, rehabilitated almost 37,000, and provided legal assistance to close to 25,000 individuals. It is also the leading institution in Nepal for securing convictions, with nearly 2,200 traffickers and perpetrators of rape brought to justice.

Anuradha Koirala has received numerous national and international awards in recognition of her courageous work and lifetime dedication to advancing children’s and women’s rights. Her honors include: Human Right Icon (2018) by Global Order of Dignitaries; Padma Shri (2017), the 4th highest Civilian award by Government of India; Child 10 Award (2016), a Swedish honor award for her work with families and communities to precent acts of violence against children; Mother Teresa Memorial International Award (2014) for Social Justice by Harmony Foundation, India; CNN Hero of the year (2010); 100 Heroine’s Award – USA (1998); National Ideal Mother Award (2010) by Shishu Sewa Samittee; Social Worker Award (1997-98, 1998-99, 2000), etc.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the fight against human trafficking, Ms. Koirala served as Assistant Minister of State in the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Welfare in 2003 and was appointed Governor of Bagmati Province in 2018.