Reviving Livelihood of 100 Bride Trafficking survivors in Haryana affected by Covid-19 pandemic

Many women and young girls are bought from other states, particularly in north eastern India, to different parts of Haryana on the pretext of marriage and are exploited in several ways- sexually, physically, mentally often living as unrecognized members of the buyer family. They have limited, if any, access to income and thus, live with many unfulfilled needs and so do their children. The Covid-19 pandemic has destroyed whatever little source of income they had, rendering them utterly vulnerable.

Empower People has been engaged in assisting and rehabilitating such women. We have initiated sustainable rehabilitation of these women and organize them into groups. Research by the organizational team has revealed that training in LED bulb assembling holds great potential to help secure their livelihood. LED bulbs are in great demand and are quite highly priced in the market. Further, the process of assembling the bulbs is simple and is possible to undertake in their homes in a small space.

After the LED bulb training, bride trafficking survivors will be able to earn their livelihood. Women who are at risk of being resold or subjected to violence will be able to raise their voices and strengthen the key institution for preventing the evil practice of trafficking. We are hopeful that the project will have a snowballing effect to motivate other women to take the training and supplement their family income. Their children will also get their due rights of education, health and play.