From Bonded Labor to Global Anti-Racism Champion: Urmila Chaudhary’s Triumph
Urmila Chaudhary, a former bonded child worker turned anti-slavery activist from Nepal, has been honoured with the Global Anti-Racism Champions Award by the US Department of State. The ceremony took place on October 21, 2024, in Washington DC, with US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken presenting the award.
Chaudhary was recognised for her significant contribution to eradicating the Kamalari system of bonded labor in the western Tarai of Nepal. She herself was rescued after 12 years of bonded labor, having been taken as a live-in maid at the age of six. After her rescue, Chaudhary led the Kamalari eradication campaign in Dang district, successfully declaring it bonded labor-free.
The Global Anti-Racism Champions Award, established in 2023, honours individuals worldwide for their work on advancing racial equity, justice, and human rights. Other recipients this year include Dintie Sule Tayiru from Ghana, John Leerdam of the Netherlands, Elvis Shakjiri of North Macedonia, Tanya Duarte from Mexico, and Tomasa Yarhui Jacome from Bolivia. Following the award ceremony, the awardees participated in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Washington, DC, and New York City.
Chaudhary, who was notified about the award while visiting her sick father in Kohalpur, is currently pursuing a law degree to provide legal aid to children from disadvantaged families. Her journey from a bonded child worker to an award-winning anti-racism activist is a testament to her resilience and dedication to fighting racism and labor exploitation.
