The Leprosy Mission International
Celebrate Leprosy Champions
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Ratiya, the vicepresident of the Khushi self-help group (SHG), demonstrates that women, united, can go further
The Khushi self-help group (SHG) is one of many SHGs run by TLM Nepal, but it is unique in that it is run primarily by women! Vice President Rativa Devi Thakur notes that, as women, being included in these meetings is empowering. “Before joining Khushi SHG,” she said, “I never imagined leading meetings or talking to officials. Now, I not only manage group activities but also motivate other women to raise their voices for equal opportunities.”
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Rekha is the living proof that you can always stitch your life back together
Rekha, now 55 years old, has been affected by leprosy since she was around seven years old. After losing her mother at two and later undergoing a leg amputation, Rekha found a new way to rebuild their life while in the hospital: through knitting.
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From Struggle to Strength: Chandana’s Journey of Hope and Determination
Chandana’s goal was clear—to secure a stable job and uplift her family from poverty. She successfully completed her full course of treatment for leprosy and emerged stronger and more confident, ready to rebuild her dreams.
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Ratiya, the vicepresident of the Khushi self-help group (SHG), demonstrates that women, united, can go further
The Khushi self-help group (SHG) is one of many SHGs run by TLM Nepal, but it is unique in that it is run primarily by women! Vice President Rativa Devi Thakur notes that, as women, being included in these meetings is empowering. “Before joining Khushi SHG,” she said, “I never imagined leading meetings or talking to officials. Now, I not only manage group activities but also motivate other women to raise their voices for equal opportunities.”
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Rekha is the living proof that you can always stitch your life back together
Rekha, now 55 years old, has been affected by leprosy since she was around seven years old. After losing her mother at two and later undergoing a leg amputation, Rekha found a new way to rebuild their life while in the hospital: through knitting.
-
From Struggle to Strength: Chandana’s Journey of Hope and Determination
Chandana’s goal was clear—to secure a stable job and uplift her family from poverty. She successfully completed her full course of treatment for leprosy and emerged stronger and more confident, ready to rebuild her dreams.
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Our latest blogs
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Duck Drop: How are we to ensure that women find their voice within advocacy?
In March we commemorated International Women’s Day, and honour the fight that many have given to create a more equal world. I deeply admire the women involved in the fight against leprosy, and I wanted this Duck Drop to provide a space for them to share their perspective with all of us. With this in mind, I have invited two remarkable advocates my dear friend, Lucrecia – a member of TLM’s Advocacy Working Group, as well as my wife, Cynthia, to discuss this topic with us.
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Duck Drop: Cómo asegurar que las mujeres encuentren su voz en la abogacía?
En marzo conmemoramos el Día Internacional de la Mujer y honramos la importante lucha que muchas han llevado a cabo para crear un mundo más igualitario. Admiro profundamente a las mujeres involucradas en la lucha contra la lepra, y quise que este documento sirviera como un espacio para que ellas compartieran su perspectiva con todos nosotros. Con esto en mente, he invitado a dos destacadas defensoras: mi querida amiga, Lucrecia, así como mi esposa, Cynthia, para que discutan este tema con nosotros.
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Ouna Assali: A Woman Who Exemplifies Resilience
For International Women's Day 2026, we want to celebrate this determined mother who has fought for her daughter's wellbeing.
-
Duck Drop: How are we to ensure that women find their voice within advocacy?
In March we commemorated International Women’s Day, and honour the fight that many have given to create a more equal world. I deeply admire the women involved in the fight against leprosy, and I wanted this Duck Drop to provide a space for them to share their perspective with all of us. With this in mind, I have invited two remarkable advocates my dear friend, Lucrecia – a member of TLM’s Advocacy Working Group, as well as my wife, Cynthia, to discuss this topic with us.
-
Duck Drop: Cómo asegurar que las mujeres encuentren su voz en la abogacía?
En marzo conmemoramos el Día Internacional de la Mujer y honramos la importante lucha que muchas han llevado a cabo para crear un mundo más igualitario. Admiro profundamente a las mujeres involucradas en la lucha contra la lepra, y quise que este documento sirviera como un espacio para que ellas compartieran su perspectiva con todos nosotros. Con esto en mente, he invitado a dos destacadas defensoras: mi querida amiga, Lucrecia, así como mi esposa, Cynthia, para que discutan este tema con nosotros.
-
Ouna Assali: A Woman Who Exemplifies Resilience
For International Women's Day 2026, we want to celebrate this determined mother who has fought for her daughter's wellbeing.