Protect women from sex trafficking in Mumbai

Dear friend,

Human trafficking is an illicit activity that involves the exploitation of individuals as commodities, leading to severe consequences for both the victims and society as a whole. Traffickers exert control over their victims through various means, including physical and sexual assault, extortion, emotional manipulation, and confiscation of official identification documents. However, the extent of exploitation can vary depending on the type of trafficking, the location, and the overall environment in which it occurs.

The history of prostitution in Mumbai is intertwined with various social, economic, and historical factors. Sex workers are frequently found in neighbourhoods like Kamathipura, and Turbhe Navi Mumbai, which is regarded as the biggest red-light district in Asia. There are many abandoned houses in the region, and it is difficult to get clean water to drink and proper facilities.
Due to societal shame, poverty, and a lack of education, many sex workers in Mumbai are at risk of being exploited. Some women and girls are coerced into prostitution by family members or reliable family friends, or by human trafficking. The vulnerability and stigmatisation of male sex workers is heightened by the absence of legal recognition for their profession in India.

Mumbai's sex workers run the danger of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs). Sex workers in India find it difficult to access health care and face discrimination, especially in government hospitals, because of their profession, such as being forced to undergo an STI test when ‘they’re sick and being refused admission if they don’t have HIV medication. 

Project Rena is a an initiative of El Shaddai based in Mumbai which has been started to fight for the victims of human trafficking among the red light district of Turbhe Navi Mumbai for the development of women and children who are living under captivity. These women have been trafficked from different villages and cities of India.

This is Reena's (name changed) story. At the age of 19, her mother, who works in a brothel, married her off. Men related to her spouse, who had an extramarital affair, abused her. Because of these conditions, she had to take care of her 18-month-old child and enter the brothel where her mother was staying. After learning of her predicament, our outreach team came to her aid. As part of our effort, she is currently undergoing vocational training. Through job placement assistance and educational sessions, survivors are helped to become financially independent and reintegrate into society.

With your assistance, our organisation will be able to reach out to a greater number of these ladies who are anxious to be saved so they may have regular lives like the rest of us.

Sincerely,

El Shaddai Family.

Links:

• http://www.childrescue.net