By: Lidia Evita, Staff Writer for World Liberty TV

Leymah Gbowee Headlines a Powerful Evening at the 8th Last Girl Awards Honoring Global Leaders in the Fight Against Sex Trafficking.

Last night, the 8th Annual Last Girl Awards took place in partnership with the Asia Society, celebrating the shared goals of Apne Aap and Asia Society to promote global understanding of present-day challenges through collaboration between Asia and the United States.

The event honored global leaders in the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation. Nobel Laureate and peace activist Leymah Gbowee headlined the evening with a stirring keynote conversation moderated by Ruchira Gupta, founder of Apne Aap.

Gbowee reflected on her work uniting women across faiths to end Liberia’s civil war and highlighted the power of grassroots activism.

“The strength of women, when united, is unstoppable. It’s not only about justice but about restoring dignity to the most marginalized among us,” Gbowee said, setting the tone for the evening.

Sex trafficking remains one of the most pervasive forms of modern slavery, with an estimated 4.8 million people globally trapped in forced sexual exploitation.

Women and girls make up 79% of those exploited in the commercial sex industry. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that 1 in 7 endangered runaways are likely sex trafficking victims, and many are from marginalized communities, making efforts like Apne Aap’s all the more critical.

The Last Girl Awards honored exceptional individuals for their impactful contributions to ending this global crisis.

Jessica Neuwirth, co-founder of the Frontline Women’s Fund, received the Last Girl Champion Award, presented by Gbowee, for her unwavering advocacy for women’s rights and legal reforms globally.

Yasmin Vafa, Executive Director of Rights4Girls, was awarded the Last Girl Human Rights Award, presented by Dorchen Leidholdt, for her leadership in defending marginalized women and girls of color against trafficking and violence in the US.

Melanie Thompson, a survivor and leading advocate against sex trafficking, was honored with the Last Girl Courage in Action Award, presented by Mona Sinha, for her fearless work in amplifying survivor voices and fighting for systemic change.

William Silverman and Proskauer were recognized with the Last Girl Leadership Award, presented by Reshma Shetty, for their significant pro bono legal support to New York survivors and the wider anti-trafficking movement.

 Mira Sorvino, Oscar-winning actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador, was presented the Last Girl Global Icon Award by Alexi Meyers for her advocacy for trafficking survivors on the global stage.

Margaret Alva, a trailblazer in women’s rights, received the Last Girl Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Gbowee, for her decades of dedication to gender equality and empowerment.

South African stand-up comedian and actress Kaneez Surka brought warmth and humor to the evening as host, guiding the audience through each inspiring moment.

Ruchira Gupta, founder of Apne Aap, said the evening with a powerful call to action, emphasizing the need to continue fighting for the “last girl”—the most marginalized women and girls impacted by trafficking. “Together, we can create a world where no girl is bought or sold,” Gupta declared.

The evening concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Gupta, followed by a reception, where attendees reflected on the honorees’ work and the ongoing fight against sex trafficking.

About Apne Aap: Apne Aap is a grassroots organization working to end sex trafficking through education, empowerment, and advocacy.

Through Apne Aap’s programs, 600,000 women and families have been provided with food, 30,000 women have been provided with safe spaces, 10,000 women have been connected with government IDs, 4,000 children have been educated, and 3,000 women have been connected to livelihoods through Apne Aap’s programs.

It was a wonderful event close to 200 people in attendance supporting this worldwide cause, see many more great organizations doing great work for humanity in our World Liberty TV, Humanitarian Channels , Blogs and visit our Humanitarian Channels by clicking here.