Save runaway girls from human trafficking

When Harsha arrived in Mumbai at Dadar station, she had no one to turn to. At just 18, she had already been through more than most. She had grown up in Moradabad in a loving but traditional family and was close to her sister. But soon after marriage, her life changed. Married to an older man, she faced abuse from him and his family. Expectations from her in-laws were suffocating and her days were consumed by endless household duties. When she resisted, she faced coercion, threats of divorce and intimidation. The emotional and physical toll was heavy, and she began to fear both abandonment and the stigma that would follow if she spoke out.

Harsha finally asked for help at Dadar station after she fled her hometown and arrived at the busiest train station in Mumbai, where she was at risk of being trafficked and taken advantage of by trained trafficker scouts. The police brought her and her son to our partner's crisis shelter, where they found immediate safety. For the first time in months she could breathe. At the shelter she was met with care and security, and began counselling sessions that helped her slowly address the trauma she had endured. Urja supported her with health care, legal guidance and crucially day care for her son, who was also referred for speech therapy at the government hospital. With her child supported, Harsha was able to focus on her own healing and future.

Through the project she joined skill development programmes in stitching, design and handicrafts. These activities not only gave her practical skills but also helped her regain confidence and a sense of control over her life. She has since begun taking on small livelihood opportunities linked to her training, while continuing to learn.

Today Harsha lives independently in Urja’s development shelter, away from the abuse of her marital home. She is working part time, building her income, and is committed to creating a secure and stable life for herself and her child. She is hopeful about her future and dreams of becoming financially independent, with the freedom to shape her own life free from violence.

Harsha’s story reflects the long-term changes we are working towards.

In the coming years we aim to ensure that homeless young women like Harsha will be able to live with safety and security.

Our goal is for at least 200 women to access education or vocational training and for 150 to be in stable jobs. With your continued support, women like Harsha will not only survive but thrive.