Sexually abused women show new way of life

Victims and survivors of rape and prostitution have openly come out to fight against the human trafficking through a display of handmade products at Dilli Haat.

With an aim to spread more awareness about the issues, women and girls who have survived prostitution along with victims are participating in ‘Traffic Jam: Red Light Blues’, a five-day festival which began on November 1. The stall is showcasing exquisite handicrafts, artwork, jewellery, crafts, tribal foods and other products made by them.

Ruchira Gupta, founder of Apne Aap Women Wordwide, which has organised the festival, explained that products have been made by women who have overcome trauma and various forms of physical, mental and emotional abuse.

The basic idea is to raise social awareness about the need to bring about changes in law to make punishment for trafficking severe and promote education programmes for the victims.

“The most effective and sustainable solutions to end sex trafficking will come by increasing choices for at-risk girls and women and by empowering them,” said Gupta.

According to estimates by the National Human Rights Commission, the average age of girls being forced into prostitution is nine to 13 years. Over 30 million people have been victims of this trade, of whom half are children.

Two girls from Springdales School have volunteered to help sell the items at the stall.
“This is a great opportunity to support a social cause,” said Vrinda Anand from class 9 and Manvika Athwani from class 11.

The products were made by women and girls under the “sewing new futures” programme by Apne Aap.

“Presently, there are 10 girls who are part of the program. We are trying to help empower these women which will prevent them from entering the flesh trade,” said Kristin, who is monitoring the programme.

“Various music and dance shows, talks and drama are being organised to highlight the issue, especially of discrimination faced by people from the North East,” said Eunice Pamei, member of Commotion and Connect, an NGO.