Bio — Shafiqur Rahman Khan

Shafiqur Rahman Khan is an Indian social entrepreneur and anti-trafficking advocate known for his work addressing bride trafficking, gender injustice, and the vulnerabilities faced by migrant communities in India. He is the founder of Empower People, a grassroots organisation working to combat human trafficking, strengthen community resilience, and support vulnerable populations across multiple states in India.

Raised in Bihar, Khan's early experiences witnessing exploitation and social injustice shaped his commitment to working with marginalised communities. Over the years, he has become a prominent voice highlighting the issue of bride trafficking in northern India — an under-reported form of trafficking driven by gender imbalance, poverty, and social inequalities.

Areas of expertise

Bride trafficking in India and gender imbalance-driven trafficking
Community-based strategies to prevent human trafficking
Gender justice and women's empowerment at the grassroots level
Migrant worker rights and vulnerability in internal migration
Social entrepreneurship and community movement building
Community-driven responses to exploitation and inequality

Shafiqur Rahman Khan speaking at a 3-Day Organizational Development Workshop for women survivors — Speaking at a 3-Day Organizational Development Workshop for survivors

Recognition

In 2019, Khan received the Grinnell Prize, an international award recognising individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and innovation in advancing social justice and positive social change. He was the first recipient from India to receive this recognition — acknowledging his pioneering work addressing bride trafficking and his commitment to building community-driven responses to human trafficking.

Shafiqur Rahman Khan receiving the Jijabai Achievers Award 2019-2020 for Women Empowerment — Receiving the Jijabai Achievers Award, 2019–2020, for services towards women empowerment

Shafiqur Rahman Khan speaking at the Institute for Leadership and Governance, MSU Baroda — Speaking at the Institute for Leadership and Governance, MSU Baroda

Selected achievements

→ Founder of Empower People, addressing trafficking and community vulnerability across multiple Indian states
→ Recipient of the 2019 Grinnell Prize for leadership in social justice
→ Recognised advocate raising awareness about bride trafficking in northern India
→ Led four major marches between 2006 and 2019, including a 300-kilometre march against female feticide in Haryana
→ Grassroots advocate for migrant worker rights during the COVID-19 crisis

Philosophy

Sustainable social change emerges when communities themselves are empowered to challenge injustice.

Khan's approach combines grassroots organising, advocacy, and collaboration with institutions to strengthen protective systems for vulnerable populations — advocating for a society where dignity, equality, and justice are accessible to all.