New York (TIP):The Asia Foundation and the Lotus Circle, a community of individuals, foundations and corporations working together to advance the rights and opportunities of women in Asia, honored Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and author Sheryl WuDunn as well as prominent women’s rights activist, Ranjana Kumari, at the fifth annual Lotus Leadership Awards in New York City.

The Asia Foundation honors both guests for their contributions to the well-being of women and girls in Asia.

Ms. WuDunn, the first Asian-American reporter to win a Pulitzer Prize and the co-author of Half the Sky, about the oppression and trafficking of women and girls, will receive a Lotus Leadership Award for her work to raise awareness about the challenges women face, including sex trafficking and violence against women.

Dr. Ranjana Kumari. Dr. Kumari is a renowned academician and social activist, who currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Social Research in Delhi, as well as the Chairperson of Women Power Connect, a national level organization of women’s groups. She is a leader in the women’s rights movement in India, will also receive a Lotus Leadership Award for her efforts to create a humane, equitable and gender just society in India. She is the director of the Centre for Social Research, a non-profit whose landmark efforts have changed police attitudes towards women and addressed domestic violence in India, and now include a push for one woman police officer to be placed in every police station in the country.

Said Ms. Yost: “The Asia Foundation’s Women’s Empowerment Program identifies change agents, and Ms. WuDunn and Ms. Kumari have transformed attitudes and communities around the world. We are honored to recognize their achievements with the Lotus Leadership Awards as we continue to Tell Her She Can, our global awareness and philanthropy campaign and message to women and girls.”

The Asia Foundation is a pioneer in women’s social, political and economic empowerment, gender equity and the fights against human trafficking and domestic violence. The Lotus Leadership Awards was created by a group of individuals and organizations who share The Asia Foundation’s goal of helping women and girls in Asia reach their full potential. Proceeds will be used to fund pilot projects to empower women and girls that can be scaled up for large-scale interventions across Asia. Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, The Estée Lauder Companies, and Vista Equity Partners are Golden Benefactors of this year’s Awards. Bravia Capital; EY; General Electric; Kirkland & Ellis; and Morgan Stanley are Benefactors. Citi Private Bank is a Patron. The Lotus Leadership Awards are donated by Tiffany and Co.