Rita Thapa

Founder of Tewa & Nagarik Aawaz (Nepal)

Rita Thapa is widely recognized for her ground-breaking work in founding Tewa. She has over thirty-five years’ experience as a feminist educator, community activist, initiating and supporting institutions for women`s empowerment and for peace. Rita also founded and led (2001-2009) Nagarik Aawaz, an initiative for conflict transformation and peace-building in Nepal. In recognition of this exceptional "innovative contribution to the public good" Rita received the rare honour of being named an Ashoka Fellow.

She served as a past Board Member and Chair of the Global Fund for Women and the Urgent Action Fund. In 2005, she was included in the 1000 Women for Peace Nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. She also served on the Board of the Global Fund for Community Foundation and the South Asian Women's Fund. Follow her on Twitter @ritathapa52.