Girls rescued from brothels ~ 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

Girls rescued from brothels

PANKAJ SARMA

Guwahati, Dec. 8:

Two girls from Assam, who were exploited sexually and tortured for two years after being sold to brothels in Mumbai, were finally reunited with their families today.

Tears rolled down the cheeks of Mohammad Abdullah Sheikh when he saw his 19-year-old daughter, Rehana (name changed), two years after she was sold to a brothel in Mumbai by her husband.

Similar is the story of 22-year-old Mahira Bibi (name changed) of Mukalmua in Nalbari district. She, too, was sold to a brothel in Mumbai by her lover Dulal, who took her to the city with false promises of marriage and family.

Both the girls were re-united with their families after a joint effort by the Global Organisation for Life Development (GOLD), a local NGO, Rescue Foundation, a Mumbai-based NGO and police.