Organizers
About PLAN International
Founded in 1937 and headquartered in the UK, Plan International is one of the world’s leading development organisations specifically focusing on children. Plan International works with children and girls in over 80 countries to help create a world where we are all equal. To do this we tackle the root causes of the challenges and inequalities that children and young girls face. We are there for children from birth until adulthood and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. Our programmes concentrate on making lasting improvements to quality of life in the areas of health, education, environment and livelihood. We have also been working to protect girls from discrimination and get the education, skills and support they need. In recent years, Plan International Hong Kong has been actively developing local programmes for children and young people to advance children rights in Hong Kong.
About Cosmopolitan
As the Hong Kong edition of the globally renowned fashion and lifestyle magazine, Cosmopolitan has always been leading local women to take control of their lives with confidence and mindfulness. Cosmopolitan loves life and dares to innovate, consistently staying at the forefront of the latest beauty and fashion trends, and generously shares information on healthy living, creating content that is tailor-made for the vibrant and culturally diverse women of this city. We grow and experience alongside every woman who is full of fun and fearless spirit.
About Cosmart
Cosmart serves as the official event registration platform for Run For Girls 2025 and acts as the all-in-one member rewards hub for activities, experiences, and shopping associated with the South China Morning Post Group's magazines, including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR, Esquire, and ELLE MEN. With offerings such as point rewards and exclusive discounts, Cosmart aims to deliver exceptional value to those seeking quality living, health, and beauty, ensuring that members receive maximum benefits with minimal investment.
Fund Use
Fund raised will be used to support our anti-human trafficking projects, providing learning necessities and facilities for students while also raising awareness of the human trafficking issue in the community, among parents, and youth. It also supports vulnerable girls in continuing their education, empowering them to create a brighter future with knowledge.
Human Trafficking in Nepal
17 years later, Samikshya finally regained her freedom and returned to her hometown, hoping to reunite with her family. She was heartbroken to discover that her parents had already passed away, leaving her with a lifetime of regret.
Girl Drugged and Trafficked to India, Enduring 17 Years of Sexual Exploitation
The border between Nepal and India stretches over 1,750 kilometers. Due to the lack of rigorous border control, it has frequently been exploited by criminals as a trafficking route for decades. Countless girls lost their freedom and youth. Samikshya*, who lives in a rural village in Nepal, was forced to drop out of school due to poverty. At the age of 16, she was approached by a stranger claiming to be her sister's friend, who told her that her sister urgently needed care because of a serious illness. Anxious and worried, Samikshya decided to take the train to visit her. However, as the train moved, Samikshya felt unconscious and later found herself trapped in a small room with other young girls, never seeing the light of day again. "No matter how much I pleaded, they remained unmoved." After being drugged and trafficked to India, her youth came to an abrupt end, plunging her into 17 years of sexual exploitation. The long-term experience of sex work brought physically and mentally trauma to Samikshya, and she suffered a serious illness that left her paralysed. Seventeen years later, upon regaining her freedom and returning to her hometown, she discovered that her parents had already passed away, and the inability to reunite with her family became a lifelong regret for Samikshya.
Rashmi was taken to a safe house supported by Plan International. Survivors of human trafficking often encounter discrimination while rebuilding their lives in the community. At the safe houses, they receive psychological counselling and skills training, supporting them in rebuilding their lives.
Survivors Escaped and Rescued Timely at the Border, Taken to a Safe Shelter
According to the 2022 Nepal Human Rights Report, approximately 40,300 Nepalis were trafficked between 2020 and 2021, with most of them being women and girls. In Nepal, it is estimated that 1.9 million people face the risk of being trafficked. Rashmi* faced a marriage breakdown and struggled to support herself and her son alone. Later, she met a Nepalese man, and they gradually developed a deep connection. Six months later, despite her doubts, Rashmi accepted the man's proposal to marry in India, believing it to be the beginning of her happiness. However, everything soon shattered like a mirage. During the rickshaw ride to India, Rashmi grew increasingly wary of the man's suspicious behavior. She attempted to escape multiple times, but he violently stopped her. In a moment of desperation, as she jumped off the vehicle and cried for help, she encountered counsellors from Plan International who provided immediate support. The man fled in a panic, while Rashmi was taken to a safe house, where she received protection and learned sewing skills. Gradually, she emerged from the shadow of trafficking and began to rebuild her life.