When you hear the word “rescue,” what comes to mind? Perhaps it evokes the image of freeing someone from danger, of saving and setting someone free. For me, saving one person means saving an entire family. Looking at the word from a broader perspective, rescue also means identifying, educating, resolving, providing stability, nurturing, and ultimately enjoying life.
Today, I want to convey an important message. “Manobal” is an organization that fights against human trafficking and is dedicated to rescuing girls and women who have fallen victim to this heinous crime. The word “rescue” might sound small and simple, but each time we embark on a rescue mission, we face challenges just as difficult as those we’ve encountered before. Rescue is far from easy.
Let me share the story of Jenny (name changed), an African victim of trafficking. After finishing school, Jenny decided to pursue a career in nursing and enrolled in a nursing course. Once she graduated, she began searching for a job. One day, she met an agent who told her there were great opportunities in the nursing field in India, and that she could secure a good job there. The agent introduced her to a woman who paid for Jenny’s visa and passport, assuring her that employment was waiting for her in India.
When Jenny arrived in India, she was excited. The same woman met her at the airport and took her to her house. But soon after, the woman confiscated Jenny’s passport, visa, and phone. Two days later, the woman told Jenny that she owed money for her travel expenses and would have to repay it through sex work. Jenny was in shock. She had come to India for a nursing job, but now she was being forced into an unimaginable situation. When she resisted, she was beaten and threatened, eventually forced into the sex trade.
Jenny was trapped. Her documents were with the traffickers, and she couldn’t leave despite her desperate desire to return home. Unfortunately, Jenny’s story is not unique. Many women like her are connected with Manobal for help.
These victims are coerced into sex work due to language barriers, social isolation, and threats. Many have overstayed their visas, and their passports are in the traffickers’ possession. Some have children who do not attend school, and many are suffering from serious diseases like HIV and STDs. Every day, they fight for survival while caring for their children. They want to return home, but they remain trapped due to visa overstay fees and the lack of funds for travel.
These women are victims of human trafficking, brought to India and forced into prostitution. When you see an African woman in such a situation, what do you think? Do you feel sympathy or judgment? Think carefully about this. “Manobal” will continue to help those affected by human trafficking.
This is a call to raise awareness and inspire action to help these victims and fight against human trafficking.