"When girls thrive, communities thrive"
This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the inspiring women of Forget Me Not.
Our charity partner Forget Me Not work tirelessly to reunite trafficked kids with their families and provide support to help keep families together. Today, we shine a spotlight and share the sentiments of Anju Pun, Country Director of Forget Me Not Nepal and Toya Homa Rai, Measurement and Evaluation Officer with Forget Me Not.
We also celebrate the care leavers of Forget Me Not, who have gone on to be change-makers themselves and create their own community support network - Shine Together.
Country Director of Forget Me Not Nepal
Mentor at Shine Together - Care Experienced Network Nepal
Anju is a passionate advocate for gender equality, leading efforts to empower girls and dismantle systems of exploitation. This International Women’s Day, with the theme Accelerate Action, Anju urges communities to move beyond conversations and take bold steps toward lasting change.
“In Nepal, gender inequality fuels child trafficking, early marriage, and barriers to education,” she says. “We cannot wait—girls deserve safety, education, and opportunity now.” Under her leadership, Forget Me Not Nepal works to reunite trafficked children with their families, support girls’ education, and challenge harmful gender norms.
Anju believes accelerating action means investing in girls, amplifying their voices, and ensuring they have the same rights and opportunities as boys. “When girls thrive, communities thrive,” she asserts. Her work is a powerful reminder that gender equality isn’t just a goal—it’s a movement that demands urgent, collective action.
Country Director of Forget Me Not Nepal
Mentor at Shine Together - Care Experienced Network Nepal
Anju is a passionate advocate for gender equality, leading efforts to empower girls and dismantle systems of exploitation. This International Women’s Day, with the theme Accelerate Action, Anju urges communities to move beyond conversations and take bold steps toward lasting change.
“In Nepal, gender inequality fuels child trafficking, early marriage, and barriers to education,” she says. “We cannot wait—girls deserve safety, education, and opportunity now.” Under her leadership, Forget Me Not Nepal works to reunite trafficked children with their families, support girls’ education, and challenge harmful gender norms.
Anju believes accelerating action means investing in girls, amplifying their voices, and ensuring they have the same rights and opportunities as boys. “When girls thrive, communities thrive,” she asserts. Her work is a powerful reminder that gender equality isn’t just a goal—it’s a movement that demands urgent, collective action.
Measurement and Evaluation Officer with Forget Me Not
Supporter of Shine Together - Care Experienced Network Nepal.
We are built by the stories of countless courageous women who opened their hearts and homes for children to thrive in the truest forms of unconditional love.
The dreams of aspiring young women brighten our hopes as they pave their way with responsibilities on one shoulder and dreams on another.
On this International Women's Day, I commit to stay true to their stories and urge communities to accelerate actions and exemplify the power of women to change the narrative and help them build a future that is truly theirs to keep.
Measurement and Evaluation Officer with Forget Me Not
Supporter of Shine Together - Care Experienced Network Nepal.
We are built by the stories of countless courageous women who opened their hearts and homes for children to thrive in the truest forms of unconditional love.
The dreams of aspiring young women brighten our hopes as they pave their way with responsibilities on one shoulder and dreams on another.
On this International Women's Day, I commit to stay true to their stories and urge communities to accelerate actions and exemplify the power of women to change the narrative and help them build a future that is truly theirs to keep.
The Shine Together Network is a vibrant hub where young care-experienced individuals can come together, share their stories, and lift each other up. It's all about building resilience and empowerment while supporting each other. Through awesome advocacy, community events, and strong partnerships, this network is on a mission to create a better, more supportive environment for all children and young people who share the experience of being in care in Nepal. So, whether it's swapping tales or joining forces for change, Shine Together is making sure every voice is heard and valued in the journey towards a brighter future.
Co-founder of Shine Together
Bachelor's Degree in Business Studies
Junu's message this IWD is poetic. "Rise up from shadows, cast aside a doubt. Let your voice be clear, and let your spirit shout in the stories waiting to be told. To spark the change and touch the skies."
Co-founder of Shine Together
Bachelor's Degree in Business Studies
Junu's message this IWD is poetic. "Rise up from shadows, cast aside a doubt. Let your voice be clear, and let your spirit shout in the stories waiting to be told. To spark the change and touch the skies."
Co-founder of Shine Together - Care Experienced Network Nepal
Masters in Counselling Psychology
"I honour myself for being a woman, loving and taking care of myself, despite what I have been through."
Co-founder of Shine Together - Care Experienced Network Nepal
Masters in Counselling Psychology
"I honour myself for being a woman, loving and taking care of myself, despite what I have been through."
Bachelor in Social Work
Member of Shine Together - Care Experienced Network Nepal
"As women, we face many problems, but we should never give up. For women with disabilities, survival can be even harder, but we must continue to stand up for respect, dignity, and our rights. Never give up!"
Bachelor in Social Work
Member of Shine Together - Care Experienced Network Nepal
"As women, we face many problems, but we should never give up. For women with disabilities, survival can be even harder, but we must continue to stand up for respect, dignity, and our rights. Never give up!"
Shine Together Member - Care Experienced Network Nepal
Bachelor in Social Work and Psychology
"Never ever hesitate to seek your rights and freedom."
Shine Together Member - Care Experienced Network Nepal
Bachelor in Social Work and Psychology
"Never ever hesitate to seek your rights and freedom."
Make a donation to Forget Me Not this IWD and support the work that reunites trafficked children with their families.
