Save runaway girls from human trafficking

Aarohi, aged 20, came to Karuna after escaping violence at home. She was referred to the project by a local support network and found safety in Karuna’s shelter for women experiencing homelessness. Aarohi had endured years of physical, emotional and verbal abuse from her family and faced discriminatory treatment compared to her brothers. She had limited educational opportunities, completing only up to the 9th grade, and struggled with socio-economic hardships and a lack of a supportive environment. The psychological trauma of abuse and neglect, combined with fear for her safety and lack of formal skills, made her situation extremely vulnerable.

Since joining Karuna, Aarohi has engaged in counselling sessions and has participated in workshops aimed at building her self-esteem and planning her future. She expressed a desire to learn vocational skills, particularly mehndi art (henna), and received guidance and support to pursue this.

The project has provided her with a safe and nurturing environment where she can focus on personal growth and begin to rebuild her confidence. Support in emotional regulation, social skills development and self-confidence have helped Aarohi gain stability and start planning for financial independence.

Aarohi is now actively learning mehndi art and gradually participating in activities that support her rehabilitation and skill development. She has chosen to remain at shelter, where she feels safe and supported, despite her family’s wishes for her to return home. Although she is not yet earning an income, she is on the path to developing the skills needed to support herself financially. Aarohi dreams of becoming financially independent through her work as a mehndi artist and hopes to build a life free from abuse and dependency, creating a future grounded in safety, dignity and self-reliance.