Ms. Anuradha Koirala is the Founder and Executive Director of Maiti Nepal. Born in Nepal and former English teacher, Ms. Koirala started Maiti Nepal in a small house in Kathmandu with her own savings. Today she is a widely recognized activist and lecturer who has dedicated her life to combating the sexual exploitation of women and children.
Her accomplishments have been recognized through numerous awards. Her work is often dangerous and requires great personal sacrifice. The criminal elements that "deliver" young girls are a ruthless enemy and have political connections at the highest levels in India and Nepal. Maiti Nepal's main office in Kathmandu has been destroyed twice and Maiti workers must travel with a bodyguard when overseeing rescue missions in India.
Anuradha Koirala was declared as the CNN Hero Of the Year 2010. She has been provided 30 national and international awards in recognition of her courageous acts and lifetime achievement furthering the cause of children’s and women’s rights. Some of the international awards include German UNIFEM Prize 2007, Queen Sofia Silver Medal Award 2007, The Peace Abbey, Courage of Conscience 2006 etc. Her achievements include liberating twelve thousand girls from brothels before the government of Nepal could initiate this process. Due to her continuous struggle, Governmment of Nepal recognized anti –trafficking day, which falls on 5 September. This endeavor was initiated by Maiti Nepal. She was also appointed as a state minister as an honor to her contributions.
