In a world where adversity can break spirits, Charimaya Tamang stands as a beacon of courage, resilience, and hope. Recognized as a 2011 Hero Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery by the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, Charimaya’s journey from a trafficking survivor to a global advocate is nothing short of extraordinary. Her story is not just one of survival—it’s a testament to the power of turning pain into purpose.

A Childhood Stolen

Born in 1976 in Sindhupalchowk, Nepal, Charimaya grew up in a poor family, one of four surviving siblings out of nine. Despite her family’s efforts to educate her, societal stigma limited her schooling to grade five. At 16, her life took a harrowing turn. While gathering fodder in a forest, she was abducted by four men, drugged, and trafficked to a brothel in Mumbai, India. For 22 months, she endured unimaginable physical and emotional torment, trapped in a nightmare far from home.

But Charimaya’s spirit refused to break. In 1996, a massive police raid in Mumbai rescued over 200 Nepali women, including Charimaya. Her return to Nepal, however, was not a warm homecoming. Stigmatized and ostracized by her community, she faced rejection for the very horrors she had survived. Yet, this rejection became the spark for her transformation.

A Trailblazer for Justice

Charimaya did something unprecedented: she became the first person in Nepal to personally file a trafficking case with the district police. In 1997, the court convicted eight men responsible for her ordeal, a landmark victory that set a precedent for justice in Nepal. This act of bravery wasn’t just for herself—it was a clarion call for countless others silenced by shame and fear.

Refusing to let her past define her, Charimaya found refuge at the Navjyoti Center, where she rebuilt her confidence and sense of purpose. She married, started a family, and began channeling her strength into helping others.

Founding Shakti Samuha: Empowering Survivors

In 2000, Charimaya co-founded Shakti Samuha, the world’s first anti-trafficking NGO established and run by trafficking survivors. Alongside 15 other survivors, she created a safe haven offering shelter, legal aid, vocational training, and counseling. Shakti Samuha doesn’t just rescue—it empowers survivors to reclaim their lives and advocate for change.

Under Charimaya’s leadership, the organization has freed hundreds of trafficking victims and raised awareness to prevent others from falling prey. Her work earned Shakti Samuha the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2013, often called Asia’s Nobel Prize, cementing its global impact.

A Global Inspiration

Charimaya’s courage caught the world’s attention. In 2011, then-U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented her with the TIP Hero Award, celebrating her tireless fight against human trafficking. Her story has been featured in documentaries like Tin Girls (2003) and Sands of Silence: Waves of Courage (2016), as well as in publications like Planeta Humano. She’s spoken at international forums, advocating for survivor inclusion in anti-trafficking policies.

In Nepal, Charimaya’s advocacy has led to survivors being included in anti-trafficking committees across districts, giving voice to those once silenced. Her 2022 National Human Rights Award from Nepal’s government further underscores her influence.

A Legacy of Hope

Charimaya Tamang’s life is a powerful reminder that even the darkest experiences can fuel transformative change. She once said, “Who will wipe out the tears of trafficking survivors if I start crying myself?” This resolve drives her to keep fighting—not just for justice, but for a world where no one endures what she did.

Through Shakti Samuha, Charimaya has turned her tears into power, inspiring survivors to become advocates and communities to confront trafficking head-on. Her legacy is one of resilience, unity, and unwavering hope.

Join the Fight

Charimaya’s story challenges us to act. Support organizations like Shakti Samuha, raise awareness about human trafficking, and amplify survivors’ voices. Together, we can honor her work by building a world free from exploitation.