23 dists in Andhra prone to women trafficking ~ Bridal Slaves Rescue & Restore campaign

EMPOWER PEOPLE is an NGO in India working to protect female victims of violence and mitigate post-violence trauma. EMPOWER PEOPLE is one of the pioneer organizations focusing on the issue of human trafficking for the purpose of forced marriage.

What is also called "bride trafficking" affects a yet unknown number of girls, particularly from poor backgrounds, who are deceived and trafficked to be sold as brides. According to information gathered by EMPOWER PEOPLE, a middleman seeks an agreement on an arranged marriage with the family of the girls. Later those girls are transferred to another places where there is a high demand of brides, like Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan where they are known as "Paro" or "Molki" (literally perched woman).

The main focus of EMPOWER PEOPLE lies on awareness raising and sensitization trainings for law enforcement agencies. The organization is also offering direct victim support and assistance to women vulnerable to human trafficking and domestic violence.

EMPOWER PEOPLE is currently developing projects of community engagement and rehabilitation of trafficking victims in both source and destination areas in seven states of India.

Visit www.empowerpeople.org.in

23 dists in Andhra prone to women trafficking

At least 23 districts in Andhra Pradesh are prone to women trafficking, with the coastal district of West Godavari topping the list.

According to an RTI reply, Srikulam, Vizianagaram, Vishakhapatnam, East Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Praksham, Nellore and Kadappa are some of the districts, which are prone to trafficking. It has also come to light that most of the villages, falling under Guntur district, have been identified as vulnerable areas by various agencies running pilot projects to curb with the menace.

"I filed the RTI with the Andhra government to find out what the state is doing for preventing this after a reply from Central government disclosed that most of the sex workers operating in various metros belong to the state. It had also revealed that women from Andhra are joining the trade because of sheer poverty," said Ved Pal, an activist.

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