Save runaway girls from human trafficking

A fresh update from the Project Team at the women's shelter in Mumbai that shares their resilience, hard work, vision and optimism for 2021.

"We are looking forward to the new year with renewed vigour and energy, ready to take on new challenges and explore collaborations to facilitate the journey of homeless young women.

The year has been tough on the young women, with loss of jobs, little or no savings to cover their expenses, and tide through the pandemic. Livelihood opportunities are still hard to come as male candidates who are being given preference with limited employment resources.

Since March we reached out to 309 young women facing violence and /or Mental Health issues. We supported 225 women with essential food and health items, rent, gas, and phone recharge.

Through posters and online discussions, this year, as part of the global campaign on Elimination of Violence Against Women, we addressed the serious issue of the rising pandemic of violence against women within the pandemic. We also spoke about civil rights or women and strategies to work with men and boys to promote gender-equitable attitudes and behaviour. We had speakers from varied backgrounds, ranging from individuals working on the ground to government officials from the District Legal Services Authority, such as Judge and Secretary, Mumbai Suburban DLSA.

The purpose of this campaign, which we do each year, is to share information and advocate for the rights of the marginalised through awareness sessions. This also strengthens our partnerships with various stakeholders such as the police, government department officers, and the community where the young women will eventually live.

For this campaign and more, we are supported by and are part of the Maitri Network, a collective of organisations that work towards amplifying voices of the marginalised.

We truly appreciate you, our well-wishers, donors, and volunteers who have been our constant support and part of the journey of homeless young women throughout this year. We wish you a great year and are excited to have you be a part of our work to amplify the voices of homeless young women in 2021.

a BIG THANK YOU for supporting us!