West Bengal being a source, transit and destination for trafficking, has always witnessed a high number of trafficked victims from across domestic and international borders. According to the NCRB, West Bengal accounted for 25% of India’s trafficking cases between 2010 and 2016. In 2018, West Bengal reported the second-highest number of children being trafficked at 8,205. Kolkata and South 24 Parganas accounted for 60 percent burden of the total cases. In a study conducted by us, jointly with the Border Security Force, it was found out that the most susceptible districts to the trafficking of persons include the North 24 Parganas, the South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Nadia, Malda, and Cooch Behar. 

The COVID-19 crisis has further brought unprecedented challenges for millions of people around the world. With the rural economy having suffered due to the shutdown of all economic activities, there was an increase in the repatriated victims’ re-trafficking from the source areas. Many victims suffered domestic violence, raising concerns about their safety and protection within the home, something that the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) reported as the Shadow Pandemic; that is, the increase in all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence. The COVID-19 crisis clearly identified three distinct areas of need in the anti-trafficking sector in India

•        Need for reskilling
•        Prioritization of healthcare needs
•        Documentation to access government welfare schemes 

Asmi Kendra, our flagship program, is a one-stop center set up to empower vulnerable young girls and survivors of human trafficking who have been brutally abused and exploited, physically, sexually, and mentally. Most of these girls have never been to school or have a very low educational background.

Project Objectives

The objectives of Asmi Kendra are to:

• Provide a space for the girls to share their experiences through discussion meetings and create opportunities for a peer-led support network 
• Build their skills through a vocational training program
• Ensure their mental well-being through counseling facilities and group therapy sessions
• Capacitate them to champion the cause in a different forum

About Asmi Kendra

 Since 2015, the Asmi Kendra has been a space for interaction, and learning and a platform to rebuild lives of the vulnerable girls. It nurtures the entrepreneurial endeavors of the trainees. The 6 months of specialized intervention include counseling, peer-to-peer mentoring, sessions on life skills, and soft skills, and specialized skill training in fashion design. On completion of the vocational course, the trainees undergo a test conducted by an external examiner. Upon passing the test they receive their certification from Government accredited institution. The program includes the provision of livelihood opportunities to at least 50% of candidates who successfully complete the course. The girls are supported for two months post-placement to ensure that they are amicably settled down and are able to make the required social adjustments. 

Program Details

The Program is designed to reach to a minimum of 15 girls per batch for a duration of 6 months. At the end of one year, the project would complete 2 batches and benefit 30 girls.  The program would be personalized ensuring the emotional needs and concerns of each participant are addressed, and that the sessions meet their overall development.  

At the end of one year, at least 50% of the participants will be placed in jobs and able to earn a stable income in a safe environment.

The initiative would help the girls make the required social adjustments within the family and community and also prepare them for viable, respectable jobs through skill training.

A Beacon of Hope 

Chandni* belongs to a poor and vulnerable family. She left school and married at a very young age. She was forced to separate from her husband and in-laws because of the torture she faced after she got married. After they separated, she began working as a house help. She met a man who promised her a better job but sold her to a brothel in Karnataka. She was rescued by the police and restored to her family.

Chandni enrolled at the tailoring unit in Asmi Kendra and was offered a job at a textile processing unit where she continues to work. She has been an inspiration to many survivors and has been visiting Asmi Kendra to motivate and support new batches of students. She also works closely with the vigilance committee in her village to raise her voice against trafficking of women and children. “I always emphasise to every girl to start working like I did and move forward in life. It is very important for girls to be financially independent”, she says.