Sunita Dunuwar and Laxmi Puri, president and treasurer of Shakti Samuha, respectively, among others, flew to the destination at noon. “We have reached Malaysia airport. We are very excited about the event,” Dunwar posted on her Facebook wall.
The award, which carries a cash prize of US$ 50,000, was publicly announced on 24 July. The award is given by the Manila-based Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) to Shakti Samuha in recognition of Shakti Samuha´s founders and members for “transforming their lives in service to other human trafficking survivors, their passionate dedication towards rooting out a pernicious social evil in Nepal, and the radiant example they have shown to the world in reclaiming human dignity that is the birthright of all abused women and children.” [break]
The award established in 1957 is given every year to individuals or organizations in Asia for their nobility and selfless service.
Shakti Samuha was visited by a team of two government officials from the Philippines this February. “The two had actually come to evaluate us and our work. Afterwards, they told us to send our organization´s profile and other documents. That was how we were selected for the award,” said Charimaya Tamang, program coordinator of Shakti Samuha.
Tamang, who was at Bardiya district on Sunday, said that the team heading for Malina would be back after 10 days.
As an organization, Shakti Samuha is the first from Nepal to win the Award. Four Nepalis have already received the award in the past. Mahesh Chandra Regmi, Bharat Dutta Koirala, Sanduk Ruit and Mahabir Pun have received the award.
In 1996, a widespread police raids resulted in the rescue of 500 girls and women from Indian brothels. Among them were 148 Nepali girls and women, who made it back to their homeland six months after their rescue. Shakti Samuha was founded by 15 of the rescued girls.
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