Save the date for the eighth annual Last Girl Awards, an annual recognition of global grassroots action to eradicate gender-based violence and child sex trafficking, in partnership with Apne Aap. This year's program will be MC'd by South African and Indian actress and comedian Kaneez Surka. The program pays tribute to individuals who work to build a better world by standing up for The Last Girl—women and children made vulnerable to trafficking because of the intersecting inequalities of their lives. 

This year's celebration begins with keynote remarks by Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee, followed by a conversation with activists across different fields including actor Mira Sorvino, lawyer William Silverman, human rights leader Jessica Neuwirth, activist and survivor Melanie Thompson, activist Yasmin Vafa, and political trailblazer Margaret Alva. An awards ceremony honors these diverse and dedicated individuals' impactful accomplishments in eradicating child sex trafficking.

MC - Kaneez Surka 

 Kaneez Surka is a producer, actor, and comedian from India, born and raised in South Africa. She has produced and performed in her Netflix Special, 'Ladies Up', Netflix's 'Comedy Premium League,' and Amazon Prime Video's Improv specials, 'Something From Nothing' and 'Improv All Stars - Games Night.' Kaneez is also known for her comedic acting. Her short film, 'The Shaila(s)' was selected for the Voot Select Film Festival.

Honorees 

Yasmin Vafa is a co-founder and Executive Director of Rights4Girls, a U.S.-based organization that focuses on addressing gender-based violence, particularly against marginalized women and girls of color. A national expert on the intersection of gender, race, and violence, Vafa has played a critical role in advancing legislative and policy reforms in areas such as sex trafficking and juvenile justice. Her work includes co-founding the World Without Exploitation coalition and expanding judicial training on child sex trafficking. Vafa has been featured in major media outlets and continues to lead efforts to protect vulnerable girls from exploitation.

Melanie Thompson is a survivor of sex trafficking and prostitution, turned advocate and global leader in the fight against commercial sexual exploitation. Trafficked at the age of 12, she became an activist by 14 and now has over 13 years of experience in advocacy, consulting, and training on topics such as race, child welfare, and LGBTQ+ rights. Thompson has testified before various international legislatures, including the United Nations, to advocate for strong anti-trafficking laws and policies. She serves on several Survivor Advisory Boards, works for the Coalition against Trafficking in Women, and has been featured in major media outlets such as Netflix, PBS, and The New York Times.

Jessica Neuwirth is an internationally recognized human rights lawyer and feminist activist. She co-founded Equality Now, an organization committed to the promotion of women's rights globally. She has held multiple high-level roles, including currently as Director at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute and as a Special Advisor to the United Nations on Sexual Violence. Neuwirth's career has focused on legislative and legal reforms, addressing issues like sex trafficking, violence against women, and discriminatory laws. She has been awarded the French Legion of Honor and continues her advocacy for gender equality through the ERA Coalition and Frontline Women's Fund.

William C. Silverman is the Pro Bono Partner at Proskauer, where he leads the firm's global pro bono initiatives. With a background as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Silverman has a strong focus on advocating for equal access to justice. He has championed several pro bono projects, including initiatives that provide legal support for trafficking victims and unrepresented litigants in New York Family Court. He serves as counsel to New York State's anti-trafficking coalition and has been a strong advocate for changes in policy and law to protect victims of human trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice. His leadership in the fight against human trafficking has earned him numerous accolades, including the Abely Pro Bono Leadership Award from Columbia Law School.

Margaret Alva is a prominent Indian politician influenced by Gandhian beliefs who has served as the Governor of four Indian states, including Rajasthan and Goa. A member of the Indian National Congress, she has been a leading
figure in India's political landscape for decades. As a cabinet minister, Alva has been instrumental in shaping policies focused on women's rights and social welfare, including grassroots leadership through the Panchayati Raj systems.

Mira Sorvino is an Academy Award-winning actress and dedicated activist against human trafficking. She has starred in notable films such as Mighty Aphrodite, for which she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, and Human Trafficking, a TV miniseries that showcased her passion for anti-trafficking advocacy. A longtime supporter of Amnesty International and a former UN Goodwill Ambassador, Sorvino has consistently used her platform to raise awareness of global human trafficking issues, while also revealing her own experiences with sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement. Currently, she serves as a board member of the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Trafficking in Persons.

Apne Aap is an NGO working to end sex-trafficking with grassroots initiatives in India, headquarters in New York, and consultative status with the United Nations. It has supported more than 20,000 prostituted and at-risk girls, women and their family members since its foundation in 2002, by Emmy Award winning journalist Ruchira Gupta and 22 women in prostitution.