By IANS,
New York : An Indian journalist and activist Ruchira Gupta has been awarded the Third Annual Clinton Global Citizen Award for her work against human trafficking in four Indian states.
Former president Bill Clinton presented the award to Gupta, president of the organisation Apne Aap Women Worldwide, during the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) here Thursday.
The award recognises remarkable individuals for their leadership in improving the lives of people around the globe.
“Gupta’s heroic efforts to assist and empower women make her a global leader,” Clinton said.
“Her talents as a journalist and activist have led her to make a lasting change in the social and governmental arenas. Her determination, creativity and strong leadership serve as an inspiration to all of us.”
“With the Global Citizen Awards, we highlight individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to humanity.” He said that each one of this year’s winners is a model of service.
“Their innovation, dedication and determination have changed lives, and their actions serve as models for what each of us can do to make a difference in the world,” the former president said.
In her acceptance speech, Gupta said: “I receive this award on behalf of the victims and survivors of human trafficking who are members of my organisation, Apne Aap Women Worldwide in India.
“I also receive this award on behalf of people who want a world in which it is unacceptable to buy or sell another human being and to imagine an economy in which one is not forced to sell oneself.”
Hollywood actress Demi Moore, who presented the award to Gupta, hailed her for her commitment to combating human trafficking.
Apne Aap Women Worldwide works to end sex trafficking in Bihar, Maharashtra, Delhi and West Bengal.
It has established 67 self help groups to create sustainable livelihood options for women in prostitution and has put 854 children in schools. It is campaigning to change the Indian anti-trafficking law, Immoral Traffic Prevention Act (ITPA), to severely punish buyers and traffickers.