In the dingy lanes of red-light areas, where hope is a rare commodity and exploitation rampant, children endure unimaginable hardships. For many, these areas are synonymous with the trafficking and exploitation of women, but the plight of children—innocent lives trapped in this world of darkness—is often overlooked. Our NGO partner Swadhar IDWC (NGO full form: Institute for Development of Women Children) Pune, is working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide a future for these vulnerable children. The head of the organisation Sanjivani Hingne shares details about what life is for children in these areas and why it is imperative that we as a society intervene urgently.
The Hidden Suffering of Children in Red-Light Areas
When we think of red-light areas, our minds often focus on the women forced into sex work, but what about their children? These young lives are born into a world where abuse and neglect are commonplace. Sanjeevani Hingne, a passionate advocate and member of Swadhar IDWC Pune, sheds light on the stark realities these children face.
“Kids in these areas are subjected to unimaginable horrors,” Sanjeevani explains. “They are often given opium in large quantities to keep them quiet and out of the way. The conditions they live in are deplorable—cramped spaces, filthy environments, and a complete lack of basic necessities. These children have no concept of a normal childhood; their lives are marked by fear, abuse, and neglect.”
Childhood Lost & Dreams Shattered
The children growing up in red-light areas face unique challenges. Not only do they lack basic necessities like food and shelter, but they are also exposed to a world of exploitation from a very young age. “These children are often forced to witness acts of violence and abuse, sometimes even against themselves,” says Sanjeevani. “Their biological clocks are no different from other children—they feel hungry, they need care—but their environment is far from nurturing. On the same bed where clients are being entertained, the child is sleeping under it. They hear and see things no child should ever be exposed to.”
The impact of such an environment is devastating. Many of these children suffer from trauma, and their physical and mental health is severely compromised. Some are even groomed for the same fate as their mothers, pushed into the trade as soon as they reach puberty—or even earlier. “The abuse these children face is not just physical but psychological,” Sanjeevani continues. “They are often shown pornographic material, groomed by perverts, and subjected to the worst forms of exploitation. These experiences leave scars that are difficult to heal.”
The Work of Swadhar IDWC Pune
Swadhar IDWC Pune has taken on the formidable challenge of rescuing and caring for these children. The NGO operates in some of the most dangerous and inhospitable conditions, often facing resistance from the communities they are trying to help. “Entering these areas is not easy,” Sanjeevani recalls. “We were often met with hostility—spat on, our dupattas snatched, doors slammed in our faces. But we persisted because we knew the children needed us.”
Swadhar IDWC Pune provides a safe haven for these children, offering them shelter, food, education, and most importantly, a chance at a future. The organisation works to secure birth certificates for these children—an essential step for enrolling them in school—and provides them with the emotional and psychological support they need to heal from their trauma.
A Call for Support
The work Swadhar IDWC Pune is doing is nothing short of heroic, but they cannot do it alone. The resources required to rescue and care for these children are immense, and the organisation relies heavily on donations to continue its mission.
“These children have been dealt a raw hand by society,” says Sanjeevani. “We should do whatever we can to help them. Your support can make a world of difference in the lives of these innocent children. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us provide them with the care and support they need to escape a life of exploitation and build a better future.”
How You Can Help
Supporting Swadhar IDWC Pune is more than just a donation—it’s a lifeline for these children. By contributing, you are helping to provide safe spaces, education, and the chance for these children to grow up with dignity and hope. Your financial support helps provide the resources needed for outreach operations, medical care, education, shelter and rehabilitation.
Spreading Awareness: Share this article and information about Swadhar IDWC Pune’s work with your network to help raise awareness.
These children have already suffered more than most of us can imagine. With your help, they can start to heal and look forward to a brighter future.
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Choosing to tread the proverbial road less travelled, Ramon embarked upon a career in journalism and spent over 8 years working for various media organisations. A deeper calling to create a sustainable impact in the lives of the less fortunate compelled him to join the social sector. Ramon is a minimalist at heart and an explorer in spirit.
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