Stella Tamang Peace Innovations Award 2024 – Results Announced

Nepal Forum for Restorative Justice takes an honour to announce the recipient of Stella Tamang Peace Innovations Award of 2024. This year the Award will be given to Ms. Indira Ghale of Nepal for her tireless and innovative approaches to bring peace and justice in communities in Nepal.

Indira Ghale’s introduction

Ms. Indira Ghale stands as a reflection of hope and change in Nepal, dedicating over two decades of her life to the pursuit of social justice and human rights. Born and raised in Dhankuta, Nepal, Ms. Indira’s journey as an activist began with a deep-rooted passion for addressing the societal inequalities, she witnessed firsthand. Her work spans a wide range of critical issues, including women’s rights, caste discrimination, and the protection of marginalized communities.

As a women’s rights defender, Indira has been at the forefront of combating gender-based violence and discrimination in Nepal. Her advocacy work extends beyond her homeland, making her a recognized figure in human rights circles across the Asian region. Her  approach to activism is grounded in the belief that even small action can catalyze significant change, and that human rights defenders serve as essential light illuminating the path to justice within their communities.

Indira’s professional journey reflects her commitment to social change. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Change Action Nepal (CAN), an organization she founded to address the pressing issues of gender-based violence and modern slavery in Nepal. Under her leadership, CAN operates a women’s shelter, providing crucial support to vulnerable individuals. The organization’s mission aligns closely with Indira’s personal ethos, aiming to create a society where marginalized and oppressed individuals can live free from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.

Prior to her role at CAN, Ms. Indira gained valuable experience in various positions that shaped her understanding of human rights issues and honed her skills as an advocate. For seven years, she worked as a Protection Officer at Protection Desk Nepal, where she was responsible for providing security and protection training to human rights defenders across Nepal’s development centers. This role also involved conducting political analysis and offering protection strategies for at-risk activists, skills that would prove invaluable in her future endeavors. In her capacity as Liaison Officer at Mukti Nepal capacity, she provided crucial humanitarian support to trafficking victims and survivors, while also fostering collaborations with like-minded organizations to strengthen the fight against this pervasive issue.

Her influence extends beyond Nepal’s borders, as demonstrated by her role as Country Coordinator for the Freedom Collaborative regional office in Thailand. This position allowed Ms. Indira to broaden her impact, collaborating with international partners and advocating for human rights on a regional scale.

Ms. Indira’s expertise and passion have not gone unnoticed by international organizations. Until 2021, she served as an “Inspiring Individual” for Tearfund, where she conducted training sessions, workshops, and played a key role in revising training manuals. Her ability to inspire and educate others has been a constant thread throughout her career, making her a sought-after speaker and trainer in the field of human rights and social justice. She has been awarded appreciation letters from various organizations, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports for her vital role during the aftermath of the earthquake in Nepal.

Looking to the future, Ms. Indira Ghale continues to be a driving force in the fight for human rights and social justice in Nepal. Her unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable, challenging discriminatory practices, and fostering a more equitable society serves as an inspiration to activists and communities alike. Through her work with Change Action Nepal and her broader efforts, she strives to create a Nepal where every individual, regardless of gender, caste, or background, can live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunity.