Pooja Damai, a 23-year-old from Birendranagar–5, Chisapani, Surkhet, is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Education (B.Ed). Having hope, dedication, energetic, dynamism, and commitment to social justice and human rights, she has been actively involved in social campaigns as leadership roles in multiple organizations. She served as Secretary and later President of Navajyoti Child Network, Vice-President of Navajyoti Youth Network, and Secretary of Amnesty International Nepal – Birendranagar Youth Network.

She also worked as the Secretary of Birendranagar Ward No. 5 Youth Club, Women Coordinator of Bhairavsthan Leo Club, and President of Srinagar Youth Club. Additionally, she worked as a Child Mobilizer for Shakti Group, which focuses on anti-human trafficking campaigns, and as a Community Psychosocial Worker for the Multicultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal, Karnali Province.

Pooja was elected as the chairperson of the Young Human Rights Defenders Network, Surkhet, as she was motivated her deep-rooted passion for social work. She believes the network has given her a broader platform for her to advocate for constitutionally guaranteed human rights. It has not only enhanced her engagement but has also contributed significantly to her personal and academic growth.

Looking ahead, Pooja envisions conducting impactful awareness campaigns and advocacy programs through the Young Human Rights Defenders Network. Her primary goal is to be capacitated and lead the campaign for promoting and protecting human rights, and advocate at the Palika, provincial levels. She is particularly focused on empowering marginalized Dalit women, gender and sexual minority communities, and ensuring that human rights laws and policies are effectively implemented.

Currently, Pooja is representing the Youth Human Rights Defenders Network and has been selected among the top 15 candidates for an internship under the Youth Policy and Governance Program, facilitated by the Karnali Province Assembly and Rishi Foundation. As part of this program, she is also contributing to policy research aimed at enhancing the knowledge and engagement of Karnali Province parliament members.

Pooja Damai is a passionate and dynamic young human rights defender whose unwavering dedication, strong leadership, and active engagement have already made a meaningful impact at both local and provincial levels. Through her continued involvement in the movement, she is contributing to the creation of a more just, inclusive, and rights-aware society. Her motivation, sense of empowerment, leadership, positive attitude, and impact prove that she is a role model for young activists.