A Chinese American business executive and bestselling author who was the first Asian American to work for and win a Pulitzer Prize at The New York Times, with expertise in Asian issues and philanthropy.

An advocate from Somaliland who overcame cultural barriers to become the country's first nurse-midwife and founded its first hospital, aspiring to eliminate female circumcision.

A young girl from Bangladesh whose story highlights the failures of combating the trafficking and exploitation of underage girls in brothels, as reported by the authors.

The principal of Overlake School in Washington who led his students in sponsoring a school in Cambodia, illustrating the impact and challenges of aid projects.

A gynecologist who co-founded the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia and dedicated her career to treating women with obstetric fistulas.

An Indian Muslim woman who was kidnapped and forced into brothel work in her youth, and through her story, the authors explored the topic of sex work as a form of enslavement.

A Pakistani woman who was gang-raped as a punishment but sought justice through the legal system, subsequently founding schools and a women's welfare organization.

A Chinese girl from an impoverished background who was able to continue her education and uplift her family's socioeconomic status after receiving unexpected financial support.

An American who worked in the Congo to help local women and girls through a grassroots hospital program, showcasing the role of international volunteers.

A Cambodian girl purchased by the authors from a brothel who struggled with addiction and the complexities of leaving sex work.

A Dalit woman who became a leader and organizer in her Indian community against a local criminal, defying traditional caste barriers.

Another Cambodian girl bought from a brothel by the authors, who faced challenges in transitioning to a new life after being freed.

A Cambodian teenager who was trafficked into sex work under false pretenses and later escaped, underscoring human trafficking issues.

A public health advocate who applied his medical expertise in addressing maternal health and preventing childbirth-related deaths globally.

A Pakistani economist who founded Kashf to provide micro-loans to women, helping to bridge economic gaps in Pakistan through grassroots initiatives.

Founder of Women for Women International, with a personal history linked to escaping Saddam Hussein's regime and supporting women survivors of war.

An Ethiopian girl who defied cultural norms to bring her kidnapper to justice in a landscape where kidnapping for marriage is common.