By Sumitra Mishra | Project Leader
Dear Global Givers,
We are thrilled to share some of our success stories from the ground. Every8Minutes has been supporting Rapid Action For Human Advancement Tradition (RAHAT) since 2013. RAHAT, a local NGO working on the issues of human rights and child trafficking is based out of Kishanganj district in India’s state of Bihar. Kishanganj is a vulnerable area as it shares its international border with Nepal and is also known to be a source and a destination for child trafficking.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, every 8 minutes a child goes missing in India, of which, 40% of those children haven’t been found. Your dedication and support is crucial at a time where 55% per cent of those missing are girls and 45% of all missing children have remained untraceable as yet raising fears of them having been either killed or pushed into begging or prostitution rackets.
RAHAT recently conducted a seminar for school girls and teachers belonging to lower middle-class families from semi-urban/rural areas to promote awareness on the dangers of child trafficking. Lately, child trafficking is increasing at an alarming rate in India. During the seminar, important helpline numbers were shared with the participants, such as women and children helpline numbers, women’s police station and general police station. The seminar addressed safety and security issues amongst girls and young women.
Arpita (name changed) 18 is a Dalit (untouchables) and lives in Kishanganj. She comes from an extremely poor background with very low family income with no access to basic amenities. There is a lack of social awareness amongst her community and educating girls is given very little importance. Arpita had aspirations to study and wanted a better life for her and her family.
Arpita was rescued before she was taken to Delhi to be sold to a brothel. Poor girls like Arpita are easily duped by agents on the pretext of finding them good jobs, food, and clothes in metro cities. Arpita was rescued by RAHAT with the help of the women’s police station and admitted in the short stay home run by RAHAT for rescued victims. After providing counseling, Arpita was sent back to her home where she is now safe.
“I am thankful to Every8Minutes and Rahat for rescuing me. I don’t want to even imagine what my life would have turned out to be if I was not rescued. I now feel confident after the counseling session at the transit home. It is difficult to go back to pursue education because my family cannot afford it, but I am trying to find a job so that I can help my parents.” – Arpita
Every8Minutes is also excited to announce the launch of a national campaign on Child Trafficking during the 16 Days of Activism on Violence Against Women and Girls, 25 November – 10 December. Every8Minutes is collaborating with Missing, a public art project started by Leena Kejriwal. Leena is a photographer, an installation artist, and a social activist. The national campaign will be implemented in eight cities across India by 10 NGOs working on the issues of child trafficking and education.
Do continue to lend us your support and solidarity in our fight to end the menace of child trafficking which is rapidly spreading from not just within the country but also to other foreign countries.
With deep gratitude,
iPartner India Team
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