Save runaway girls from human trafficking

Dear supporters,

We'd like to share an update report from our partner with the story of Seema (name changed), who with your support has transformed her life from a situation of abuse to a life of friendship, good health and education.

Hailing from Odisha, Seema used to live with her parents and three other siblings. However, at just 8 years old she was trafficked from her small villlage to Delhi under the pretense of enticing job opportunities. The person who had taken her from the village disappeared and Seema was sold to another family as a domestic slave.  For 8 years she did all chores and babysitting of the family's 3 children. The family moved around a lot and Seema had to follow. Throughout these 8 years, she went through verbal and physical abuse at the hands of the wife of the family. Unable to leave the house or gain an education, her second name was changed without her consent, so that she was not traceable by her own family. 

It was by chance and good fortunate that Seema finally went to Mumbai with the family. A new employee and a neighbour of the family saw the abuse Seema experienced and contacted our project partners there directly. With the great network our partners have built up, they were able to get support from Powai Police Station immediately and with their help, they rescued Seema. 

That was 3 months ago. Since then, Seema has been staying at the project and has got her admission in Grade 8. A lawyer is being sought who can present the case strongly in the court and get Seema the salary that is her right. To recover emotionally and psychologically, Seema has also been part of Art based therapy.

Seema is flourishing- she is sensitive towards the need of others and a quick learner. She says she wants to increase her knowledge and build her vocabulary which she's doing successfully. Seema joined a basic computer skills course which will be an add on skill for her as part of her education as well as when she starts looking for job opportunities.

We are so encouraged by Seema's story and her progress. No girl should have her freedom taken and it is a success to see Seema offered and supported with the opportunities she previously was denied. 

Thank you for your support of this project; it is because of your support that girls like Seema can look forward to recovery and creating the lives for themselves that they deserve.

With gratitude and warm wishes,

Imen Trabelsi

Project Leader