Born
Anuradha Koirala
Founder of Maiti Nepal; named CNN Hero of the Year (2010) for her work combating human trafficking
Currently Founder and Executive Director, Maiti Nepal
About
Anuradha Koirala left her marriage after facing abuse at home. This experience led her to spend her life helping women in similar situations. She taught English for about 25 years. In 1993, she started Maiti Nepal. It began in just two rooms.
Her last name comes from her marriage, not from birth. She is not part of the well-known political Koirala family, which includes B.P. Koirala and Girija Prasad Koirala. Mother Teresa once said Koirala’s work inspired her. Koirala has received more than 30 national and international awards for her work.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1949-04-14
- Birthplace
- Kalimpong, India
- Profession
- Social activist, Former teacher
- Current role
- Founder and Executive Director, Maiti Nepal
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Current roles
Founder and Executive Director
Maiti Nepal
Previous roles
English teacher
Various schools · 1993
Assistant Minister of Women, Children and Social Welfare
Government of Nepal
Governor, Bagmati Province
Government of Nepal
Education
St. Xavier's College, Kolkata
Bachelor's, History
Career & life timeline
- 1949-04-14
- 1993
Founded Maiti Nepal after roughly 25 years as an English teacher
- 2010
Named CNN Hero of the Year
- 2014
Received India's Padma Shri award
Achievements
Founded Maiti Nepal, which has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of trafficking survivors
1993Named CNN Hero of the Year
2010Her advocacy contributed to Nepal recognizing September 5 as National Anti-Trafficking Day
Awards & honours
CNN Hero of the Year
Padma Shri
Organizations & affiliations
- Maiti Nepal
Last updated: 2026-09-02