DWC 100 Women: Anuradha Koirala, Maiti Nepal

In the quiet corners of Kathmandu, where the Himalayan winds sweep through the ancient streets, a woman's voice has risen above the noise, cutting through the darkness that shrouds the lives of thousands of girls and women. 

Anuradha Koirala, the founder of Maiti Nepal, is that voice—a symbol of courage and compassion in a world where the vulnerable are often forgotten.

Anuradha's journey began in 1993 when she founded Maiti Nepal, an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and rescuing girls and women forced into prostitution. 

For her, this mission was not just a calling but a deeply personal fight. A survivor of domestic abuse herself, Anuradha understood the horrors of exploitation and the pain of being silenced. Instead of allowing her suffering to define her, she chose to channel her pain into a force for change.

Maiti Nepal started as a small home, a sanctuary for those who had nowhere else to go. Over time, it grew into a powerful movement, rescuing more than 45,000 girls and women from the clutches of traffickers. But Anuradha's work doesn't stop at rescue. 

She has built an entire ecosystem of care, providing shelter, legal aid, medical care, and rehabilitation for survivors. Her vision extends beyond immediate relief; it encompasses long-term empowerment, ensuring that these women can reclaim their lives, their dignity, and their futures.

The challenges Anuradha has faced are as daunting as they are numerous. Human trafficking is a deeply entrenched issue in Nepal, fueled by poverty, gender inequality, and corrupt systems. Battling against well-organized trafficking networks, Anuradha has faced threats to her life, resistance from those in power, and the heartbreak of seeing the same stories of exploitation repeat themselves. Yet, she has never wavered.

One of the most heart-wrenching challenges has been witnessing the mistrust and stigma that survivors face when they return to their communities. Instead of being welcomed back, many are ostracized, and viewed as tainted or as a burden. 

Anuradha has tirelessly worked to change these perceptions, advocating for societal change and acceptance. Her outreach programs aim to educate communities, emphasizing that these girls and women are victims, not criminals, and they deserve love, respect, and a chance to rebuild their lives.

Anuradha's impact goes beyond the thousands of lives she has directly saved. She has brought global attention to the horrors of human trafficking, influencing policy changes and inspiring others to join the fight. 

Her work has been recognized worldwide, earning her numerous awards, including CNN's Hero of the Year in 2010. But for Anuradha, the real reward is seeing the smiles on the faces of the women she has helped, watching them grow into strong, independent individuals who, in turn, become advocates for others.