By Sunitha Krishnan | General Secretary
The last few months have been a series of great leaps & bounds for the cause and also perhaps the most challenging time in terms of the existance of the organization.
The construction of the new premises has considerably slowed down due to severe financial
crises. We are short of little over 200,000USD to complete the work. The pressure from the landlord who is trying to evict us is increasing by the time. When we asked him to give us a little more to shift he has without blinking an eyelid nearly doubled the rent!!! We were paying 2500USD now he wants 3500 USD!!! But once we cross this hurdle, the organization will be secure once and for all atleast physically!
One intervention that will be a game-changer in the prevention of human trafficking is going to 'Swaraksha' (self-protection) a unique community awakening caravan to counter human trafficking. Supported by US Consulate of Hyderabad & Catholic Relief Services, Swaraksha in its first phase is travelling over 13,000kms across the States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana & Odisha covering 53 districts with 132 million population. The campaign one of its kind is huge success. Lead by survivors of trafficking the campaign addresses large public gathering to awaken the community on the dangers of trafficking. Right now the caravan has successfully crossed Telangana & Andhra Pradesh entering Odisha. 68 suspected cases of trafficking have been reported and many other Indian States have requested to replicate the campaign in their state.
A significant number of international rescues were also done in this period. Two women from Andhra Pradesh were rescued in Malaysia and 2 from Telangana from Oman. Four Nigerian girls were rescued and successfully repatriated to Nigeria. 7 girls from Bangladesh are awaiting to be repatriated. International rescue & repatriation involves a lot of coordination and collaboration with Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs & various Indian and Foriegn Embassies.
Four people were arrested for impersonating as Prajwala staff and extorting money...a challenge of this nature is first of its kind for the organization and was a big blow.
After 20 years of work, I was conferred by Government of India the 4th highest civilian honor 'Padmashree'. Finally our cause and mission was recognized!
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