Richa Chaddha steps up for human trafficking survivors

Bollywood actress Richa Chaddha, critically acclaimed for her performances in films like Gangs of Wassyepur and Masaan has associated herself with a cause close to her heart, that of rehabilitation of survivors of human trafficking. Earlier in the week, she stepped out to lend her voice to a campaign aimed at providing housing to such women in Mumbai

Richa Chaddha takes in the reality of the survivors.

Purnata, a social organization that has been dedicated to the cause of rescue and rehabilitation of victims of human trafficking (particularly women who are sold in sex-trade), has joined hands with popular crowdfunding organization Ketto, an organization founded by Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor to raise funds for a house for 15 of such rescued women, where they could live with a sense of security and integrate with society better. Explaining why people need to come forward to support a house for the 15 women in the suburbs of Mumbai, Richa said:

Get them a nice house in the suburbs where they can flourish, learn, take care of their kids, because they have really been through a lot

You can watch the soul-kindling story of these women who seek our help here.

Also read: On human trafficking in India: Journalist Neha Dixit in ‘First Hand’

As per the Global Slavery Index report, there are around 45.8 million people under institutions of modern slavery, 40% of the total of which are presently in India. Aaboo Varghese, who has been working for the cause of trafficking relentlessly for the past 13 years, in conversation with ShethePeople.TV shared that most of these trafficked women come from North 24 Parganas in West Bengal. Though the practise is not limited to the region, much intervention is needed there, due to which Purnata has set up a research team there and hope to operate in full swing by July. He said

These girls are trafficked away from their home when they are 10-12 years old. By the time we are able to rescue them, they are around 20-22 years old. 

Aboo Varghese, founder, Purnata

Also read: Child trafficking, the big fight: Padma Shri Sunitha Krishnan

My take:

One can only imagine what these women go through in between, the possibilities of what befalls upon them during the decade in a patriarchal setup like ours are none sweet. Upon being rescued, the women have physical scars that heal with time, though their emotional scars can only heal with complete integration and support from mainstream society. This would only help renew their self esteem and let them lead a better, more dignified life!

You may also show your support here.

Read more blogs by Sakshi Singh Sirari here

Feature Image Credit: funroundup.com