Save runaway girls from human trafficking

Urja, our partner organisation, ran a series of emotional and mental wellness trainings and workshops, reaching out to more than 200 individuals, including the police, healthcare professionals, community-based organisations, non-governmental organisations, and young survivors of violence. These activities aimed to initiate dialogues to de-stigmatise mental illnesses and improve support structures for survivors and healthcare professionals who cope with trauma every day. 

One of the highlights of the events was an interactive mental well-being session conducted with railway police officials, who often encounter homeless women and other vulnerable groups in their work. This is a particular connection with Urja, as women are often supported by Urja after meeting them at the train station.  

The sessionmainly focused on team building, mindfulness, and well-being exercises. The participants learned about the importance of empathy, compassion, and self-care in their profession, and how to respond to the needs of the people they serve. The session also created a space for the police officials to share their own challenges and experiences and to receive support and feedback from their peers and Urja staff. 

The feedback from the session was very positive, with many participants expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to learn and reflect on mental health. Some of the comments were: 

• “I learned a lot from this session, especially how to deal with stress and anger healthily.” 
• “I realized that mental health is not something to be ashamed of, but something to be taken care of.” 
• “I felt more connected with my colleagues and the women we work with, and I understood their perspectives better.” 
• “I enjoyed the activities and the discussions, they were very interactive and fun.” 

Urja plans to continue its mental health awareness and advocacy work and to collaborate with other stakeholders to create a more inclusive and supportive society for women experiencing homelessness and other marginalised groups.  

Thanks to your support more women can overcome poverty and discrimination. 

It's a common assumption that leaving an abusive marriage is the end of the pain for the victim. However, the truth is that it's just the beginning of a long and difficult journey towards healing.

Lavanya, who was raised in institutions, married the love of her life with high hopes for a happy future and a secure family. Unfortunately, she soon became the target of emotional and physical abuse from her husband. Fearing for her child's and her own safety, she turned to the shelter that exists thanks to your generous donations.

Letting go of the relationship wasn't easy for her, and she is still fighting for her divorce as her partner refuses to acknowledge the need for separation. Despite this, Lavanya has discovered healthy coping mechanisms to deal with the emotional trauma she has endured. She has channeled her energy into learning martial arts, which has helped her become stronger both physically and emotionally.

Lavanya's journey towards healing hasn't been easy. Recovering from domestic abuse takes time, patience, and a strong support system. The shelter has played a pivotal role in her journey by providing her with safe space, counseling, and legal aid.

Lavanya has taken advantage of these resources to rebuild her life and create a better future for herself and her child. 

Through her journey, Lavanya has learned that she is not alone. Domestic abuse affects millions of women worldwide, and it's important to break the silence and speak out against it.

Lavanya has become an advocate for women's rights and has shared her story to inspire others to seek help and break free from abusive relationships.

Lavanya's journey is far from over, but she has come a long way. With your support, she is determined to continue her healing process and create a brighter future for herself and her child.