Sunita Danuwar, 2018 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Hero, was honored this week as one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders. Sunita is the Executive Director of Shakti Samuha, an organization that provides shelter and support to victims of trafficking in persons in Nepal. A trafficking survivor herself, Sunita now serves as an advocate for other victims. She has played a key role in expanding her organization’s victim-support services to include education and skills training, repatriation services, and legal assistance to survivors and girls at risk of trafficking.
In 2018, the US Department of State recognized Sunita and 9 other human rights leaders from around the world for their fearless efforts to combat human trafficking. The TIP Report Hero awards are given in conjunction with release of the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which assesses the efforts of national governments to combat this modern-day form of slavery. The TIP Report Heroes are honored each year during a ceremony at the State Department. Since 2013, Meridian has partnered several times with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to design and administer individualized International Visitor Leadership Program itineraries for the TIP Report Heroes.
In its sixth year, Fortune Magazine’s World’s 50 Greatest Leaders list celebrates extraordinary individuals who have made a difference around the world. At #36, Sunita is ranked among leaders across business, government, philanthropy, and the arts. Fellow IVLP Alumni, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Margrethe Vestager, EU Commissioner for Competition, made the 2019 list at #2 and #7, respectively. Read our blog to learn about Prime Minister Ardern’s 2012 program on the decision-making process in US foreign policy.
The International Visitor Leadership Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by Meridian International Center.
