The Rotary Club of Mumbai Queens Necklace (District 3141) partnered with the Rotary Club of Auckland Harbourside to gain a Global Grant for Project Rotary Save Our Sisters to train women at the shelter for human trafficking survivors with the skills they need to become gainfully employed, and live a life of dignity and self-respect.
Human trafficking is a global phenomenon adversely affecting millions of human lives. It not only undermines democratic values, rule of law and human rights but also constitutes some of the most heinous crimes against humanity.
Mumbai has a large number of girls trafficked from the various states of India, and its neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh. Women and girls rescued during raids conducted by the Police and are lodged at Navjeevan Mahila Vasatigruha – a government-run care and protection home for trafficking survivors.
Victims are deeply traumatised, ashamed, angry and scared of what their future holds. Yet little was being done in regards to their rehabilitation, despite awareness of the problems faced by victims reintegrating effectively into society and achieving economic independence.
The local Rotary Club of Mumbai Queens Necklace (District 3141) were inspired to do what they could do help. They approached the Rotary Club of Auckland Harbourside, NZ, (District 9920) to be International Club and District Partners in order to receive a Rotary Foundation Global Grant to fund their efforts.
Project Rotary Save Our Sisters they developed is directed at training women at the shelter with the skills they need to become gainfully employed, and live a life of dignity and self-respect. Rotarians have partnered with Save the Children, India, who have some experience providing vocational training, to help deliver education sessions and as well as conduct counseling.
A number of challenges were faced by the club to get things up and running, including government regulations, communication barriers due to the many nationalities present, different existing skill levels amongst the women and resistance to change. However, first training began in October 2017 and has been achieving excellent results.
Training encompasses many industries, allowing women to find an outlet for their passions and existing abilities. These include but are not limited to beauty, hospitality, tailoring and garment manufacture and block printing. More advanced and specialised courses are provided as required. All women take part in classes to develop basic spoken English.
As of August 2018, about 200 women have been counseled and trained through Save Our Sisters. The aim is to assist 400-500 women over the full two year timeframe, at a total cost of USD $65,317.
After completing the program, Save Our Sisters helps women find employment through liaising with corporates and other organisations. It is early days, but already around 20 women have been successfully placed in employment.
The project is ongoing and Rotarians continue to visit the shelter and monitor progress, looking for opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of these horrendously mistreated but resilient women.