Kung Fu for girls at risk to human trafficking

Rani (name changed), a 12-year-old from Forbesganj’s red-light district, recently stepped into the spotlight at her first Karate competition held at Apne Aap's community center. In her pristine white uniform, Rani didn't just compete—she conquered, turning her journey from shy, bullied girl to fierce martial artist into an inspiring spectacle. The crowd watched in awe as Rani showcased the strength and confidence she had meticulously built over months of training.

When she joined Apne Aap's martial arts classes eight months ago, Rani was so shy that she wouldn't even lift her eyes to meet anyone's gaze. Fast forward to today, and this same girl fearlessly displayed the strength and confidence she had meticulously built over months of training.

Her victory was more than a personal achievement; it was a beacon of hope for her family and the entire community. Rani’s mother, who had endured unimaginable hardships, was radiant with pride, witnessing her daughter's triumph. 

Rani's story is just one of many. Since the launch of this project, Apne Aap has successfully provided 35 children in the red-light area with the opportunity to build self-esteem, acquire practical self-defense skills, and access essential resources to break free from the cycle of intergenerational prostitution. The program’s holistic approach ensures these children have a safe space to grow, learn, and thrive.

Thanks to the generous support of donors like you, we have seen remarkable progress. Attendance rates are high, and the positive feedback from children and their families is heartwarming. Your contributions have helped Rani and many others gain confidence and envision a brighter future. As we continue to expand our reach and impact, we are committed to ensuring that even more children can benefit from our program. 

Do join us for The Last Girl awards at Asia Society on Oct 10 where we honor individuals like you who have stood by girls like Rani. 

Names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.

11-year-old Shama (name changed) is enthusiastic in her attendance at the Apne Aap Dojo in Forbesgunj, where she is one in a class of 50 young girls learning the Martial Art of Karate.

 One of the things Shama(name changed) loves doing is putting on the clean white Karate Uniform, before her practice. She says it makes her feel as graceful and light as a ‘swan’. Her mother is 27 year old Purnima (name changed) who was sold into prostitution when she was Shama’s (name changed) age. Purnima (name changed) is ill with multiple diseases, that were inflicted on her in the sex trade.

 Apne Aap’s dojo and community center have become Shama’s day care center, safe haven, and also a place where she gets the help with homework and acquires leadership skills through karate and kung fu. She gets 2 full meals and also care from the Apne Aap staff, when she is not at home tending to her mother. She also gets her 7 year old brother Raju (name changed) who loves to join in all the activities with his sister

 Since the start of this project, we have successfully ensured these young girls, aged 8-14, get the opportunities for a normal childhood, in the karate program at Apne Aap’s Ant Kanya Center in Forbesganj, Bihar.

 It is our aim to provide these adolescent young girls from vulnerable de-notified Nat Community who live in the Red light district a safe space to be themselves and grow physically and mentally in a healthy manner. We provide them with uniforms, food and a convivial atmosphere where they can explore their relationship with their changing bodies as well as self growth.

 It is through the support of donors like you that Apne Aap can continue to grow the program and provide Shama (name changed) and her friends with the space to grow and thus make an impact on the local community.

*The names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals