Preventing Prostitution post Covid

Meena (name changed) was just 15 when the pandemic hit, living in the red-light area of Forbesganj, Bihar. For two years, her school was closed, and her mother, a daily laborer, lost her income. The lockdown brought hunger, anxiety, and the looming threat of trafficking into their lives.

But when our community classrooms reopened, Meena found hope. She caught up on her studies and gained confidence through our kung fu classes. Today, Meena is back in school, dreaming of becoming a teacher. Her story is one of resilience, shared by many others across our project areas.

Since the project began in late 2020, we have successfully re-enrolled 750 girls in school across Forbesganj, Najafgarh in Delhi, Nizamuddin Basti in Delhi, Kolkata, and the Sundarbans in Bengal.

In the last three months alone, we’ve helped over 150 girls get back on track with their education. Additionally, our food banks have distributed essential supplies to more than 7,500 women and their families since the project’s inception, ensuring that hunger doesn’t drive them further into vulnerability.

Our livelihood support programs have also made a lasting impact. To date, over 1,000 women have received small loans to start businesses, while 3,000 women have participated in skill-building workshops, with many now earning a stable income. These efforts are empowering them to rebuild their lives and ensure their children stay in school.

As we move forward, we remain committed to reaching our goal of helping 800 girls return to school and supporting 10,000 women in reclaiming their dignity and independence. Every day brings new stories of hope, proving that, together, we can break the cycle of poverty and exploitation

In the heart of Bihar, a young girl named Rani ( name changed) and her mother, Meera (name changed), lived in the shadows of exploitation. Trapped in a red-light area, their future seemed grim. But hope arrived through the doors of Apne Aap's community center. Rani was given an education sponsorship, while Meera joined our sewing classes. Today, Rani excels in school, and Meera earns a stable income, providing both with a new lease on life.

This story is not unique to Rani and Meera. Across Delhi, Bihar, and Bengal, our project is transforming lives by supporting the education of girls from red-light areas and providing safe spaces for at-risk and prostituted women.

A Network of Hope

Our community centers are beacons of hope in these regions. In Bihar, 113 children like Rani are receiving education through our sponsorship program. In New Delhi, 293 children attend our community classrooms, and in Kolkata, 60 children are pursuing their studies. Among them, eight college students are studying political science, graphic design, and nursing, making a total of 430 children whose lives are being transformed.

Empowering Women

Since May, 83 new women have joined Apne Aap, gaining access to crucial resources such as government IDs, subsidies, savings and loans, legal empowerment, and education and livelihood linkages. Meera is one of the many women benefiting from our sewing classes, with 43 women in Bihar and 40 in Kolkata learning valuable skills. In New Delhi’s Nizamuddin Basti, our 11 women's successful food truck cooperative is a testament to the power of collective effort and determination.

Nourishing Bodies and Spirits

Our commitment extends beyond education and livelihood. Through our 1 million meals initiative, we ensure that no family goes hungry. Since May, we have distributed meals to 611 families, providing nourishment and hope to the most vulnerable.

Advocating for Change

The driving force behind our work is the belief in equality and the determination to end sex trafficking. With the support of friends of Apne Aap, we continue to be fierce advocates for women and girls, pushing for systemic changes and creating opportunities for those who need them most.

Rani and Meera's story is one of many, illustrating the profound impact of our efforts. Together, we are rising from the shadows, one story at a time, transforming lives through education and empowerment.

Links:

• Forbes Magazine Features our work
• The Story of Apne Aap
• Bestseller based on Apne Aap's mothers and daughters