Mohini Giri Served as a Member of the Global Board of Directors from 2000-2016
We are saddened to share that Mohini Giri, a passionate leader for the advancement of women and a former member of our Global Board of Directors, passed away in late December. Dr. V. Mohini. Giri served on our board from 2000 to 2016. She was a passionate advocate for the rights of women everywhere.
Dr. Giri served as head of the National Commission for Women and was a prominent civil society activist in India, founding several movements to advance women’s rights, particularly widow’s rights, in the country. She faced significant backlash from society for this work but stood firmly in her convictions that women must be free to live a life of dignity and self-reliance no matter their circumstances. She received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India in 2007, for her work with widows and children.
We first met Dr. Giri at our 1998 strategy meeting in Jaipur, where we brought together eight of India’s leading feminists to co-create what became The Hunger Project’s Women’s Leadership and Panchayat Raj Campaign.
“Mohini Giri leaves a legacy for women’s rights around the world. Her work in India was groundbreaking and had a deep impact. She was able to bring those same principles of equity and social justice to The Hunger Project, and her values remain deeply embedded in our programs. We are forever grateful for her contribution to our organization and to our world,” said Tim Prewitt, President and CEO, The Hunger Project.
We celebrate Ms. Giri for all her contributions to creating a world without hunger. Her legacy will live on in each member of The Hunger Project family as we work to embody her steadfast commitment to ensuring every woman feels empowered and supported to live a life of dignity.
Photo: Dr. Giri speaking during a board meeting in Mexico in 2013.
