Nepali activist Urmila Chaudhary will be recognized with the prestigious Global Anti-Racism Champions Award by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken during a ceremony at the U.S. Department of State. The award honors six global leaders who have shown exceptional courage, leadership, and commitment in advancing racial equity, justice, and human rights.
Chaudhary, a former child laborer who was rescued at the age of 17, has emerged as a powerful voice for marginalized castes and ethnic communities in Nepal. She co-founded the Freed Kamlari Development Forum, an organization dedicated to empowering former bonded laborers, and has since established 42 cooperatives to support their reintegration into society. Her activism extends to gender and labor rights, and she is currently pursuing a law degree to strengthen her fight against injustice and systemic racism in Nepal.
Chaudhary’s recognition with this award highlights her lifelong dedication to eradicating bonded labor, especially among Nepal’s Tharu community, and her efforts to combat the intersecting forms of discrimination that affect marginalized communities. Her work has been instrumental in challenging deep-rooted social inequalities and advocating for justice and equality.
Following the award ceremony, Chaudhary and the other honorees will participate in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Washington, D.C., and New York City. This program will provide an opportunity for knowledge exchanges on advancing human rights, combating systemic racism, and addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities globally.
The other 2024 awardees include:
Dintie Sule Tayiru (Ghana)
Mr. Tayiru has worked tirelessly as Executive Director of SAVE-Ghana to promote the inclusion of the Fulbe, a marginalized group in the Upper West Region. The Fulbe have long experienced systemic discrimination, including police harassment and denial of citizenship. His engagement with local authorities has led to significant reforms, including lower cattle tax rates and mediation efforts between Fulbe and non-Fulbe communities. He holds a master’s degree in philosophy in social policy and service management. Mr. Tayiru is being honored for advancing the human rights of vulnerable groups and promoting inclusive governance for Fulbe communities.
John Leerdam (Netherlands)
Mr. Leerdam has spent more than four decades fighting for racial equity in Dutch society. He served as a Member of Parliament and founded Black Achievement Month, which celebrates Black excellence in the arts. He has advised ministries and managed the Netherlands’ participation in the International Decade for People of African Descent, and he is currently helping develop Amsterdam’s National Slavery Museum. He holds a master’s degree in fine arts from Columbia University. Mr. Leerdam is being honored for his leadership in advancing the human rights of Black Dutch citizens and advocating for recognition of people of African descent in the Netherlands.
Elvis Shakjiri (North Macedonia)
Mr. Shakjiri is a founding member and Executive Director of Romalitico, an institute dedicated to Roma advocacy. He has played a critical role in ending Roma statelessness and has helped numerous Roma navigate complex administrative systems to access social services and education. His lifelong dedication to the Roma people has led to significant legislative progress. He holds a master’s degree in human rights from Central European University and a law degree from the Southeastern European University (SEEU) in Hungary. Mr. Shakjiri is being honored for his efforts to advance Roma rights and combat anti-Roma discrimination in North Macedonia.
Tanya Duarte (Mexico)
Ms. Duarte is an Afro-Mexican feminist and anti-racist activist who has worked for over 35 years to support marginalized communities in Mexico. She leads seminars on gender, reproductive health, and human rights and has fiercely advocated for public policies that promote equity. She co-founded the Afromexicanidad Congress and has been a strong voice for Afro-Mexican rights. Ms. Duarte is being honored for her work advancing the rights of Afro-Mexicans and advocating for equitable access to education and justice.
Tomasa Yarhui Jacomé (Bolivia)
Ms. Jacomé has dedicated 25 years to advocating for Indigenous rights in Bolivia. She was the first Indigenous woman to serve as a municipal councilor and serve as minister in Bolivia. Ms. Jacomé has worked on issues related to human rights, climate change, and gender-based violence. She holds a law degree and a master’s degree in constitutional law. Ms. Jacomé is being honored for her advocacy on behalf of Indigenous peoples in Bolivia and for her leadership in combatting systemic racism and gender-based violence.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
