Women’s Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC) successfully conducted the first session of the Sunita Danuwar Memorial Lecture Series today in Kathmandu, with the theme "Beyond Survival: The Power and Challenges of Survivor-Led Movements."
This inaugural session was dedicated to honoring the unparalleled contributions of the late Sunita Danuwar (1977–2024). As the founder of Shakti Samuha and Sunita Foundation and the Vice-Chairperson of WOREC’s executive committee, Sunita Danuwar was a pioneering human rights activist in the fight against human trafficking. She played a crucial role in establishing survivors as key agents of change, shaping Nepal’s human rights movement in transformative ways.
The event was facilitated by Dr. Meena Poudel, an experienced sociologist with over three decades of experience in anti-trafficking and survivor-centered advocacy. The session was attended by 25 participants, including representatives from national-level human rights organizations and networks, the National Women Commission, the Nepal Police, and the media.
The program commenced with a welcome address by WOREC’s Executive Director, Sunita Mainali, who emphasized the need to strengthen survivor leadership and called upon all stakeholders to unite in this effort while paying tribute to Sunita Danuwar’s legacy.
The lecture series centered on Sunita Danuwar’s inspiring journey and leadership, igniting discussions on redefining survivors as victims and agents of change. Participants reflected on the founding of Shakti Samuha, South Asia’s first organization led by trafficking survivors for survivors, marking a significant milestone in the movement. The dialogue explored the triumphs and challenges of survivor-led leadership, the institutional barriers survivors face, and their ongoing struggle for recognition as leaders. Additionally, special attention was given to the support received by Shakti Samuha for institutional development and how it was instrumental in ensuring the success of Shakti Samuha.
During the discussion, Bhagwati Nepal, former Deputy Mayor of Melamchi Municipality and former Vice President of the NGO Federation, spoke as the keynote speaker. She shed light on the evolving nature of human trafficking, stating that trafficking has moved beyond traditional and limited structures. She emphasized the need for the new generation to face these challenges with courage. Similarly, Kranti Tamang, an IVLP (International Visitor Leadership Program) Fellow, shared the challenges faced by young activists and stressed the importance of accepting and encouraging youth leadership.
The discussion also revealed that traditional narratives still fail to recognize survivors as leaders of change and instead objectify them as mere subjects for fundraising. Speakers raised concerns about how development partner organizations often influence the agendas of survivor-led institutions, thereby limiting their autonomy in defining their own priorities. Additionally, they criticized the existing legal frameworks addressing human trafficking and exploitation, stating that they are not survivor-friendly and do not support survivors’ autonomy, access to justice, or reintegration efforts. The discussion emphasized the need for continuous dialogue and clear strategies to counter anti-human rights perspectives and external influences that hinder the anti-trafficking movement.
Swastika Danuwar, Managing Director of the Sunita Foundation and daughter of the late Sunita Danuwar, recalled her mother’s relentless struggle and contributions. She stated that carrying forward this movement is the greatest tribute to her mother’s legacy. She expressed her gratitude to WOREC for organizing the lecture series and hoped for further collaboration in the future.
In the closing remarks, WOREC Chairperson Sabita Pokharel thanked all participants and acknowledged their contributions to the anti-trafficking movement. She emphasized the importance of institutionalizing and strengthening survivor-led leadership at policy levels and called for continued efforts in this direction.
WOREC announced that the second session of the lecture series, titled "Hidden faces of Modern Human Trafficking," will be held on July 30, 2025.
Overall, this lecture series aims to establish the principle of "leadership by those directly affected," broaden perspectives on human trafficking beyond conventional understandings, amplify survivor voices, and create pressure for policy change.
WOREC remains committed to strengthening survivor-led movements, honoring the dreams and contributions of the late Sunita Danuwar, and continuously working toward systemic change.