Social activist Anurag Chauhan has been honoured with a Gold Medal and the Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship by iCONGO and the United Nations for his contributions to social service, particularly in women’s health and hygiene. The award recognises his efforts in improving the lives of millions, especially through his work on menstrual hygiene. His flagship project, WASH, has reached over 4.5 million women across seven states, focusing on menstrual health awareness and providing access to sustainable hygiene solutions.
Anurag Chauhan, founder of Humans for Humanity, established the organisation in 2014 to address women’s health and rights issues in rural and urban India. The WASH initiative not only educates women on menstrual hygiene but also enables them to produce affordable, eco-friendly sanitary products. In 2018, he launched the Breaking the Bloody Taboo campaign, aiming to challenge social taboos surrounding menstruation. One significant event during this campaign was a workshop held at a temple in Rajasthan, where menstruating women, traditionally barred from entry, were invited, marking a social breakthrough.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chauhan’s organisation provided essential supplies, including food and menstrual products, to over 8,000 families. His consistent work in the social sector has earned him numerous awards, including the Karmaveer Chakra from the United Nations in 2016 and the International Women’s Empowerment Award from UNICEF and the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2019. The WASH project also received the Mahatma Award in 2021, a recognition previously given to prominent figures like Ratan Tata, Azim Premji, and Sudha Murthy.
In response to the award, Anurag stressed that the recognition is the result of collective efforts. He believes that real change begins within individuals, and when people unite for a common cause, significant progress is possible. Chauhan’s continued work inspires social change, and with the United Nations recognition, his impact on women’s health and empowerment is set to grow. The Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship has been awarded to other distinguished individuals like Bollywood actress Kajol, entrepreneur Anupam Mittal, actor Anupam Kher, and Dr. Verghese Kurien.
