Lighthouse
Often we use the term shelf life to refer to a commodity or food item that is not suitable for consumption or use beyond a time limit. However, have you ever heard of using this term for humans? Probably not, because the life given by God is precious and we respect it.
But, in some corners of our city Delhi, this term is used for human lives. Hundreds of women in India are called out by this term, directly or indirectly. In this scenario, we are talking about around 2,000 sex workers who are forced to live in man-made situations in the red light area of GB Road. In the world of prostitution, the shelf life to work as sex workers is only till 30 to 35 years of age, beyond which they are considered as “old and useless” by their pimps. By the time these women cross 30 years, their health, appearances and spirits are all gone, as per many data.
These women are bought for sex trade at a young age of 13-14 years and sold innumerable times a day to do sex work without having food, water, rest or even during the menstruation. Once the minor girls are trafficked into sex trade, they hardly reunite with their families or go back to the same community. Their life becomes even more impoverished. But they remained important and dear to God as before because every single life is important to him.
After being forced into sex trade, it is very difficult to get out of it. What is even more difficult is to lead a respectable life in society after coming out of it. That’s why our project Lighthouse aims to help such women and children to live a dignified life like everyone in the society.
Lighthouse Activities
Socio-Emotional well-being
We organise social events for survivors during festivals and involve them in celebrations and treat them with respect. This is to boost their socio-emotional well-being and make them feel part of the mainstream society.
Mental Health
Mental health is key to a good life. A person caught in human trafficking goes through tremendous physical and emotional pain and trauma. We provide mental health couselling to help them recover from this trauma and give them confidence to face life again. Mental health counselling is required even for those working against human trafficking.
Empowerment
We work towards empowering the survivors to integrate them in society by helping them find jobs, use their skills and make a living. This gives them a sense of belonging and boost their self-esteem.
