J821N Empowering Initiatives for Women, India

Situation

In India, an estimated one child goes missing every eight minutes (ILO, 2017), and 200 girls enter the sex trade daily (Ministry of Home Affairs, 2012). Pune, a major city in Maharashtra, faces significant trafficking issues, with limited safe houses for rescued girls. Many victims, often trafficked from rural areas or across borders, suffer extreme exploitation. Studies estimate that 1.2 million children in India are trapped in prostitution, with India supplying 50% of children entering the global sex trade (UNICEF, 2004). Rescued girls require intensive care, education, and vocational training to prevent re-trafficking. Without intervention, many survivors risk re-exploitation due to poverty, discrimination, and lack of alternative opportunities. Government remand centres seek NGO support for rehabilitation.

Objectives

J821N aims to supervise and facilitate the smooth transition of trafficked girls from shelter care into mainstream society by providing essential support, education, and life skills.

The following activities are implemented:

o  Providing food, shelter, education, and rehabilitation.

o  Running vocational training programs in computer skills, sewing, English, and electrical work.

o  Offering individual counselling and group therapy for trauma recovery and social reintegration.

o  Identifying survivors who wish to pursue further education and securing donor support.

o  Organising a virtual graduation ceremony to celebrate achievements.

o  Assisting survivors with employment, housing, and long-term support networks.

o  Monitoring graduates’ progress as they transition into independent living.

o  Helping participants apply for official identity cards, is essential for reintegration.

o  Providing education and literacy training, aiming for a minimum 10th-grade diploma via government correspondence courses.

o  Supporting job placement through CV preparation, interview skills, and work ethics training.

o  Encouraging community integration by fostering supportive relationships and social connections.

The Empowering Initiatives for Women India project empowers survivors with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to build independent and fulfilling lives.