Anuradha Koirala

Anuradha Koirala (born 14 April 1949) is a Nepalese social activist and the founder and director of Maiti Nepal – a non-profit organization in Nepal, dedicated to helping victims of sex trafficking. She is appointed as 1st Women Governor of Province No. 3 on 17 January 2018 byGovernment of Nepal.

Currently, Maiti Nepal operates a rehabilitation home in Kathmandu, as well as transit homes at the Indo-Nepal border towns, preventative homes in the countryside, and an academy in Kathmandu. As the name suggests, Maiti Nepal ("maiti" means "mother's home" in Nepali) has been a refuge for women rescued from the brothels in India. The women can stay in the homes run by Maiti Nepal until they are able to return to their homes, or if not accepted by their parents and society, they may stay until they become able to live on their own. Between 1993 and 2011, she and her organization have helped rescue and rehabilitate more than 12,000 women and girls.

Maiti Nepal also works on reuniting the rescued women with their families, patrolling Indo-Nepal border with police and other law enforcement authorities and also rescuing trafficked women from the brothels in India with the help of Indian authorities.

Koirala received the Courage of Conscience Award from The Peace Abbey in Sherborn, Massachusetts on 25 August 2006. She won the CNN Hero of the Year award in 2010.

The United States government gave a two-year grant of $500,000 (52124000. 00 in Nepalirupees) to Maiti Nepal in April 2010.

In November 2017, Koirala joined Nepali Congress party.

Awards & Recognition