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Prajwala

November 23, 2023

Prajwala is a non-governmental organization based in Hyderabad, India, devoted exclusively to eradicating prostitution and sex trafficking. Founded in 1996 by Ms. Sunitha Krishnan and Brother Jose Vetticatil, the organization actively works in the areas of prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, re-integration, and advocacy to combat trafficking in every dimension and restore dignity to victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

Prajwala
Founded1996; 27 years ago (1996)
FoundersMs. Sunitha Krishnan and Brother Jose Vetticatil
TypeNon-Governmental Organization
FocusAnti-Sex Trafficking
Location
Employees
200
Websitewww.prajwalaindia.com

Currently, Prajwala runs seventeen transition centers for children of women in prostitution,[1] three crisis counseling centers in police stations, a production-cum-training unit for economic rehabilitation, and a therapeutic shelter home for sex trafficked women and children,[2] the majority of whom are HIV positive.[3] Out of its 200 employees, 70% are survivors themselves.[4] Prajwala also forms partnerships with local communities, civil society, corporate agencies and government bodies on various aspects of prevention, protection and prosecution throughout India and the world.[5]

Mission edit

Prajwala holds the conviction that sex trafficking is the worst form of human rights violation and flesh trade the oldest form of sexual slavery. The organization is dedicated to creating a trafficking-free society where no woman or child is sexually exploited and no human being is treated as a commodity. The larger goal is to demonstrate best field practices for up-scaling, replication and adaptation by state and non-state agencies to ensure anti-trafficking mechanisms are in place.[citation needed]

History edit

The philosophy of Prajwala evolved after the oldest red light district of Hyderabad city, Mehboob ki Mehindi, was forcibly evacuated in 1996. As a result, thousands of women caught in the clutches of prostitution were suddenly uprooted, homeless and displaced.[6] Based on the women's plea for a dignified future for their children, two visionaries—a Catholic Missionary named Brother Jose Vetticatil and a then Hindu nun Ms. Sunitha Krishnan—joined forces to initiate an intervention to prevent minors from entering the sex trade. This program, called Prevention Through Education, initially consisted of a small school run out of a vacated brothel.[7]

The ongoing process of interaction with the women posed a threat to the traffickers, the middle-men, and the brokers, which led to a long challenge and struggle for the core team of Prajwala. The founders were faced with life-threatening situations a number of times,[8] which they braved through with the conviction that a viable alternative is possible. The enormity of the situation and the vastness of the task did not stop Prajwala from making a small change in this community. As the journey progressed, Prajwala's reach expanded to meet the multifold needs of victims and establish a wide range of anti-trafficking initiatives, with full faith in people's participation in the process of social transformation.[9]

The Approach edit

Over the years, Prajwala evolved need-based interventions through a multi-pronged, strategic approach, consisting of five pillars: prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, re-integration, and advocacy.[10]

Prevention edit

Prajwala uses value-based education as a primary tool to prevent children of women in prostitution from entering this trade.[11] The organization's transition centers in Hyderabad function as bridging schools which not only foster the overall development of the children, but also equip them with the necessary psychosocial and scholastic skills to ensure a bright future that breaks the cycles of poverty and social exclusion. Mothers as well as local leaders serve as key contributors and partners in this program. Till date these centers have reached out to over 7,000 children and prevented them from being inducted into inter-generational prostitution.[12]

The organization also builds the capacities of individuals and groups through active linkage with community members, police and district administration to create a zero tolerance for commercial sexual exploitation.[13] In 2011, Prajwala initiated a mass campaign called Men Against Demand (MAD),[14][15] which mobilises men to take a stand against seeking paid sex and encourages them to fight against sex trafficking by abolishing its demand.[16] Since its inception, Prajwala's Community-based Prevention Program has sensitised over 8 million people.[17]

Rescue edit

In the initial years, Prajwala had negative experiences with cops, so the Rescue and Restoration Program team worked independently, without police cooperation. However, when a member of the team—an ex-pimp—was brutally murdered in 1999, Prajwala began collaborating with law enforcement officials to conduct joint rescue operations.[18]

Sometimes, the men pose as customers, either to act as decoys during a raid or to gather information about a brothel. Survivors work as counselors, giving immediate guidance to the terrified rescued girls. None of them have weapons, and the threat of violence is constant. But Prajwala offers its employees something precious—the opportunity to make a profound impact in people’s lives day after day.[19]

Today, Prajwala regularly partners with Anti-Human Trafficking Units (ATHUs), State CID inspectors and Women Protection Cells across India to investigate and rescue women from the flesh trade.[20] The organization extends moral, financial, legal and social support to victims and ensures that perpetrators are brought to justice.[21] Prajwala also operates three Crisis Counseling Centers in police stations at entry and exit points throughout Hyderabad to identify minors in prostitution and intercept trafficking cases.[22] So far, the organization has rescued over 9,500 victims[23] from commercial sexual exploitation.[24]

Rehabilitation edit

In order to address the multi-dimensional needs of trafficked victims, Prajwala facilitates psychological, economic and civic aspects of rehabilitation for rescued children and adults.[citation needed]

Prajwala has built a residential shelter home 65 km close to Hyderabad to provide a safe and healing environment for young women and girls rescued from the flesh trade. When they first arrive, victims often attempt to escape or commit suicide due to extreme post-traumatic stress disorder, Stockholm syndrome and life-threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS, which is why crisis counseling and psychosocial support is provided to aid the healing process.[25] With the help of social workers, medical staff, caretakers and teachers, Prajwala also provides health care, education, yoga & meditation, nutritious diet, therapeutic programs & activities, and life-skills & vocational training.[26]

As part of economic empowerment, Prajwala helps survivors acquire the skills and capacities needed to gain a dignified livelihood and thrive independently. In the small-scale production-cum-training unit, survivors become experts in non-conventional trades such as welding, bookbinding, carpentry, desktop publishing and screen printing.[27]

Prajwala’s focus has been on tapping the innate potential and strengths of these survivors in ventures aimed at their re-integration into the mainstream society as equals. This means capitalizing on the strength that the girls were forced to acquire – their fearlessness and lack of inhibition.[28]

The economic rehabilitation strategy involves intensive need and aptitude-based research, combined with market assessment in order to produce viable and sustainable economic opportunities.[29] Prajwala works in cooperation with the corporate sector to place survivors in jobs according to their interests, such as taxi drivers, camera operators, housekeepers, security guards, nursing attendants, masons and more.[30][31] Over the years, hundreds of survivors have been trained in the production-cum-training unit and secured employment outside of the organization in service, hospitality, and construction industries.[32]

Prajwala's final phase of rehabilitation entails gaining a civic identity through provision of immediate relief benefits, housing, health, ration and electoral photo identification cards.[33] Over the years, 521 survivors have been given housing under the weaker section's housing scheme—a subsidised government welfare program.[34] As Nirbhaya project advisor in Kerala,[35] Ms. Krishnan has also successfully appealed the government to provide financial compensation to minor rape victims.[36][37]

Re-integration edit

In order to help survivors successfully re-integrate into mainstream society, Prajwala re-unites them with their families, arranges for their marriage, and supports independent-living arrangements.[38] In 2007, Prajwala launched the survivor's movement Aparajita (meaning "those who remain undefeated against all odds"), which is a network for re-integrated survivors to access social support and a platform for advocacy.[39] A two-day National Survivor's Conference was organized by Prajwala in 2011 in which 40 Aparajita members prepared a charter on the course to be adopted in rescue and rehabilitation of trafficked victims, which was presented to the Supreme Court to implement as a Victim Protection Protocol.[40]

Advocacy edit

Prajwala has worked relentlessly to bring about a change in the attitude of India's government for victim-friendly policies, as well as awareness regarding sex trafficking, through political, legal, and media advocacy.[citation needed]

Policy and legal advocacy edit

In 2002, Prajwala conducted an action research and publication of a document entitled The Shattered Innocence on inter-state trafficking from Andhra Pradesh to other states, revealing the reality and magnitude of the crime along with a demographic profile of vulnerable communities.[41] Upon submitting this report to the government, a state-level consultation on the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address the issue emerged.[42]

In collaboration with Prajwala, the Department of Women and Child Welfare started taking a proactive role in all post-rescue work. As a result of Prajwala's lobbying efforts, a high-level state coordination committee was formed with secretaries of all relevant government departments. Draft guidelines of the state policy to combat trafficking was prepared by Prajwala, and after state-level cabinet member approval, the policy was brought forth as GO Ms 1 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine on Jan 1, 2003.[43]

In 2013, Prajwala lobbied extensively for an anti-trafficking policy in Kerala called the Nirbhaya Fund Scheme for Women and Children, and Ms. Sunitha Krishnan became the state advisor for this groundbreaking policy.[44] She was also appointed as a member of the Andhra Pradesh State Women's Commission[45] and contributed to India's new Bill on Rape, which was passed in Parliament in 2013[46] to increase punitive measures for sexual violence and assault.[47]

Furthermore, Ms. Sunitha Krishnan has conducted sensitisation workshops for thousands of senior police officers, judges, prosecutors and Child Welfare Committee members[48] to equip them with the requisite understanding and skills to effectively handle cases of human trafficking and advocate for child-friendly courts.[49] As a result, police personnel ranking from Superintendents to Sub Inspectors have been trained on how to combat the crime[50] and address the psycho-social needs of victims during and after rescue.[51]

Media advocacy edit

In collaboration with internationally acclaimed director Rajesh Touchriver, Prajwala has produced several films on sex trafficking and child sexual abuse to educate and sensitise the masses. The 2005 documentary Anamika—The Nameless[52] won the AC award under "Best Foreign Award" category, Best Editing from and Best Documentary Film Award at the HIFF.[53] The film has since been included in the curriculum of India's National Police Academy and National Judicial Academy.[54] Prajwala's shockingly vivid film The Sacred Face also broke the silence about the horrors of incest among high-level officials in Hyderabad.[55]

In 2009, Ms. Sunitha Krishnan gave a speech during an official TED India conference about Prajwala's work, which has since inspired over 2.5 million viewers globally.[56] Her July 2012 appearance on Aamir Khan’s television show Satyamev Jayate was instrumental in not only garnering huge funds but also networking with business owners willing to provide job placements for survivors.[57] In addition, Prajwala sensitised over 3,000 corporate houses through the INK[58] and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) conferences, which made a deep impact on the attendees.[59]

In January 2013, Prajwala launched its bilingual feature film on sex trafficking titled Ente in Malayalam and Na Bangaru Talli in Telugu. The Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Oommen Chandy and Social Welfare Minister M. K. Muneer attended the debut audio release of Ente in Kochi[60] as well as the film's premier in Trivandrum. Na Bangaru Talli has won 5 international awards in 2013,[61] including Best Feature Film Award at Trinity International Film Festival, USA and Award of Excellence from IFFCRM, Indonesia.[62]

Founders edit

Ms. Sunitha Krishnan is a rare breed of individual who has committed her life as a full-time volunteer in Prajwala. A mental health professional, she has done extensive research and is essentially a field practitioner. She has been instrumental in rescuing thousands of children from severely abusive conditions and restoring childhood to them. Ms. Sunitha Krishnan is making it possible for India's government and citizens organizations to manage jointly a range of protective and rehabilitative services for children and women who have been trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation. For her efforts in the anti-trafficking sector she has been awarded Stree Shakthi Puraskar (National Award), Perdita Huston Human Rights Award and the World Of Children Health Award.[63]

Bro Jose Vetticatil was an engineer by training. As a brother belonging to the order of Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, Bro Jose was committed to the cause of deprived for 28 years. He was involved in post-earthquake rehabilitation efforts in Latur. His main contribution was in the field of technical training for deprived boys. As the Director of Boys Town, a reputed technical training institute, Bro Jose was instrumental in creating a self-sustaining production-cum-training center. As the erstwhile president of Prajwala, Bro Jose was not only the guiding force behind all interventions but also the master mind behind all the economic rehabilitation programs. After leading Prajwala for over nine years and shaping all its interventions, Bro Jose Vetticatil died on 18 September 2005.[64]

Awards and recognition edit

Prajwala has received several national and international awards for its outstanding efforts:

  • In April, 2008, Prajwala won the prestigious AGFUND International Award for its pioneering work to Combat Trafficking of Women and Children through Community Partnership.[65]
  • Prajwala received the National Award for Child Welfare from the Govt. of India in February, 2009 for the exceptional services it renders to prevent child trafficking and its outstanding efforts to rescue and rehabilitate child victims of sex trafficking.[66]
  • Edelgive Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Edelweiss Capital, conferred the EdelGive Social Innovation Award to Prajwala in 2011 for its path-breaking work on economic security and livelihoods of victims of trafficking.

Based on her courageous and tireless work as an anti-trafficking crusader, Prajwala's founder Ms. Sunitha Krishnan has also received numerous accolades and honors including Real Heroes Award from Reliance Foundation and CNN-IBN (2008),[67] Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes from US Department of State (2009), John Jay College of Criminal Justice Awards (2011),[68] Vanitha Woman of the Year Award (2011),[69] Living Legends Award from Human Symphony Foundation (2013),[70] Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Award 2013,[71] and People of the Year award from Limca Book of Records, 2014.[72]

See also edit

References edit

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  12. ^ "Sunitha Krishnan". INK Talks. 2012.
  13. ^ "Inspiring Women: Sunitha Krishnan – Fighting The Scourge Of Human Trafficking". Kannadiga World. 24 June 2013. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  14. ^ Staff Reporter (2011-03-28). "Men do their bit to fight trafficking of women". The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-03-29.
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  16. ^ "Bevco outlets witness 'MAD' campaign against trafficking". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2012-12-03.
  17. ^ Jain, Sonam (2011-07-30). "She sets the bonded free". The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-07-30.
  18. ^ "She battles on". The Deccan Herald. 2011-02-18.
  19. ^ Goldberg, Michelle (2010-03-03). "The Sex-Slave Rescuer". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 2010-03-03.
  20. ^ "State CID rescues 10 women from Mumbai brothel". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2012-09-21.
  21. ^ "Minor girls rescue effort begins in Kerala with launch of Nirbhaya". The Times of India. 19 October 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-19.
  22. ^ Trafficking in Women and Children in India. Orient Blackswan. 2005. ISBN 9788125028451. Retrieved 2005-01-01.
  23. ^ Tankha, Madhur (2014-03-07). "Mother of gang-rape victim calls for unity in fighting crime". The Hindu. Retrieved 2014-03-07.
  24. ^ "She's Every Woman". India Today. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
  25. ^ . The Hindu. 2011-02-22. Archived from the original on 2011-02-27. Retrieved 2011-02-22.
  26. ^ "A Home Away From Home - Prajwala Therapeutic Community". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2011-08-05.
  27. ^ . The Herald of India. Archived from the original on 2016-03-10. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  28. ^ "Compendium of Best Practices on Anti-Human Trafficking by Non-Governmental Organizations" (PDF). United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 2008.
  29. ^ "100 Best Practices in Combating Trafficking In Persons: The Role of Civil Society" (PDF). The Protection Project. 2012.
  30. ^ "Nerves of Steel". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2013-09-22.
  31. ^ "Saint of the Streets". The Times of India. 2 January 2010. Retrieved 2010-01-02.
  32. ^ Vital Voices: The Power of Women Leading Change Around the World. Vital Voices, John Wiley & Sons. 2012-05-16. ISBN 9781118240533. Retrieved 2012-06-05.
  33. ^ "Sunitha Krishnan: Prajwala". World of Children. 2006.
  34. ^ (PDF). Prajwala. 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-06-08. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  35. ^ "Sunitha Krishnan appointed advisor for Kerala women's project". Business Standard India. Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 2010-10-07. Retrieved 2010-10-07.
  36. ^ "Kerala govt announces Rs. 3 lakh for Manipal rape victim". Kannadiga World. 24 July 2013. Retrieved 2013-07-24.
  37. ^ "Alarming rise in 'attacks' on girl students". Times of India. 10 December 2013. Retrieved 2013-12-10.
  38. ^ "GlobalGiving: The 50 Brides of Prajwala". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2007-12-07.
  39. ^ . Vital Voices. 2013. Archived from the original on 2014-03-16. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  40. ^ Staff Reporter (2011-06-29). "Survivors Recount their Ordeal". The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-06-30.
  41. ^ Trafficking and the Law. Socio Legal Information Cent. 2011. ISBN 9788189479756.
  42. ^ "Church Study Documents Plight of Trafficked Women of Andhra Pradesh". UCA News. Retrieved 2002-10-24.
  43. ^ "No Funds, Relief for Victims". Post Noon. 24 July 2013. Retrieved 2013-07-24.
  44. ^ . Kerala Women. Archived from the original on 2019-10-03. Retrieved 2013-01-21.
  45. ^ "Defunct Andhra Pradesh Women's Commission Reconstituted". NDTV. Retrieved 2013-06-03.
  46. ^ . Tehelka. Archived from the original on 2014-03-16. Retrieved 2013-01-26.
  47. ^ (PDF). Karmayog. 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-05-08. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  48. ^ Staff Reporter (2012-10-08). "Child-Friendly Courts Needed". The Hindu. Retrieved 2012-10-09.
  49. ^ "Delhi Police organized workshop on human trafficking". News Track India. Retrieved 2013-10-03.
  50. ^ Staff Reporter (2011-09-25). "Workshop to discuss how to combat human trafficking". The Hindu. Retrieved 2011-09-26.
  51. ^ "Workshop on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings". Police Wala News. 2012.
  52. ^ . The Hindu. 2005. Archived from the original on 2014-03-16.
  53. ^ . One India News. 2008-01-10. Archived from the original on 2014-03-16. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
  54. ^ . The Hindu. 2009-07-29. Archived from the original on 2011-06-13. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
  55. ^ . The Hindu. 2008-03-15. Archived from the original on 2008-03-19. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
  56. ^ "Sunitha Krishnan: The Fight Against Sex Slavery". TED India. 7 December 2009.
  57. ^ "Rebuilding Lives: Prajwala begins the construction of a new life-skills Center". Satyamev Jayate. 2013.
  58. ^ . INK Talks. 2011. Archived from the original on 2014-03-16. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  59. ^ . INK Talks. Archived from the original on 2012-10-26. Retrieved 2012-10-09.
  60. ^ "Sunitha Krishnan's 'Ente" audio CD released". Indiavision. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2012-12-08.
  61. ^ "I mortgaged my apartment to produce this film". India Today. Retrieved 2013-10-25.
  62. ^ "The story of Naa Bangaru Talli is quite shocking". Rediff Online News. Retrieved 2014-03-10.
  63. ^ . Ashoka. 2002. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  64. ^ "Remembering A True Holy Man". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2005-10-25.
  65. ^ . AGFUND. 2007. Archived from the original on 2013-07-23. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  66. ^ . The Hindu. 2009-02-07. Archived from the original on 2013-10-23. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  67. ^ . Reliance Foundation. 2008. Archived from the original on 2017-02-13. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  68. ^ . John Jay College of Criminal Justice. 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-11-25. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  69. ^ "Vanitha Woman of the Year award for Sunitha". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
  70. ^ . Human Symphony Foundation. 2013. Archived from the original on 2014-03-16. Retrieved 2014-03-16.
  71. ^ "Sunitha Krishnan: National Bravery Award 2013". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-15. Retrieved 2013-05-08.
  72. ^ . LIMCA Book of Records. 2014. Archived from the original on 2015-01-19. Retrieved 2014-03-16.

External links edit

  • Prajwala Website [1]
  • "Sunitha Krishnan A Trento: il 3 ottobre alla Sala della Cooperazione." Cinformi. Oct 2, 2013. [2] 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine
  • "Sunitha Krishnan and Prajwala Foundation." Journalist Diary - Tv9. June 3, 2013. [3]
  • "I experimented with myself during my stay in Mangalore." The Hindu. November 16, 2012. [4]
  • "From real to reel." The Hindu. June 20, 2012. [5]
  • "The Ugly Truth: Has A Disha (Hope)." Houston South Asian Lifestyle Society News. April 8, 2011 [6]
  • "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women." Spectrum Magazine. Jun 7, 2010.
  • "Saving the Children." Christianity Today. [8]
  • Price III, G. Jefferson, "Women who shoulder the world's burdens with grace," Christian Science Monitor, April 10, 2006 [9]

November 23, 2023
prajwala, governmental, organization, based, hyderabad, india, devoted, exclusively, eradicating, prostitution, trafficking, founded, 1996, sunitha, krishnan, brother, jose, vetticatil, organization, actively, works, areas, prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, . Prajwala is a non governmental organization based in Hyderabad India devoted exclusively to eradicating prostitution and sex trafficking Founded in 1996 by Ms Sunitha Krishnan and Brother Jose Vetticatil the organization actively works in the areas of prevention rescue rehabilitation re integration and advocacy to combat trafficking in every dimension and restore dignity to victims of commercial sexual exploitation PrajwalaFounded1996 27 years ago 1996 FoundersMs Sunitha Krishnan and Brother Jose VetticatilTypeNon Governmental OrganizationFocusAnti Sex TraffickingLocationHyderabad IndiaEmployees200Websitewww wbr prajwalaindia wbr comCurrently Prajwala runs seventeen transition centers for children of women in prostitution 1 three crisis counseling centers in police stations a production cum training unit for economic rehabilitation and a therapeutic shelter home for sex trafficked women and children 2 the majority of whom are HIV positive 3 Out of its 200 employees 70 are survivors themselves 4 Prajwala also forms partnerships with local communities civil society corporate agencies and government bodies on various aspects of prevention protection and prosecution throughout India and the world 5 Contents 1 Mission 2 History 3 The Approach 3 1 Prevention 3 2 Rescue 3 3 Rehabilitation 3 4 Re integration 3 5 Advocacy 3 5 1 Policy and legal advocacy 3 5 2 Media advocacy 4 Founders 5 Awards and recognition 6 See also 7 References 8 External linksMission editPrajwala holds the conviction that sex trafficking is the worst form of human rights violation and flesh trade the oldest form of sexual slavery The organization is dedicated to creating a trafficking free society where no woman or child is sexually exploited and no human being is treated as a commodity The larger goal is to demonstrate best field practices for up scaling replication and adaptation by state and non state agencies to ensure anti trafficking mechanisms are in place citation needed History editThe philosophy of Prajwala evolved after the oldest red light district of Hyderabad city Mehboob ki Mehindi was forcibly evacuated in 1996 As a result thousands of women caught in the clutches of prostitution were suddenly uprooted homeless and displaced 6 Based on the women s plea for a dignified future for their children two visionaries a Catholic Missionary named Brother Jose Vetticatil and a then Hindu nun Ms Sunitha Krishnan joined forces to initiate an intervention to prevent minors from entering the sex trade This program called Prevention Through Education initially consisted of a small school run out of a vacated brothel 7 The ongoing process of interaction with the women posed a threat to the traffickers the middle men and the brokers which led to a long challenge and struggle for the core team of Prajwala The founders were faced with life threatening situations a number of times 8 which they braved through with the conviction that a viable alternative is possible The enormity of the situation and the vastness of the task did not stop Prajwala from making a small change in this community As the journey progressed Prajwala s reach expanded to meet the multifold needs of victims and establish a wide range of anti trafficking initiatives with full faith in people s participation in the process of social transformation 9 The Approach editOver the years Prajwala evolved need based interventions through a multi pronged strategic approach consisting of five pillars prevention rescue rehabilitation re integration and advocacy 10 Prevention edit Prajwala uses value based education as a primary tool to prevent children of women in prostitution from entering this trade 11 The organization s transition centers in Hyderabad function as bridging schools which not only foster the overall development of the children but also equip them with the necessary psychosocial and scholastic skills to ensure a bright future that breaks the cycles of poverty and social exclusion Mothers as well as local leaders serve as key contributors and partners in this program Till date these centers have reached out to over 7 000 children and prevented them from being inducted into inter generational prostitution 12 The organization also builds the capacities of individuals and groups through active linkage with community members police and district administration to create a zero tolerance for commercial sexual exploitation 13 In 2011 Prajwala initiated a mass campaign called Men Against Demand MAD 14 15 which mobilises men to take a stand against seeking paid sex and encourages them to fight against sex trafficking by abolishing its demand 16 Since its inception Prajwala s Community based Prevention Program has sensitised over 8 million people 17 Rescue edit In the initial years Prajwala had negative experiences with cops so the Rescue and Restoration Program team worked independently without police cooperation However when a member of the team an ex pimp was brutally murdered in 1999 Prajwala began collaborating with law enforcement officials to conduct joint rescue operations 18 Sometimes the men pose as customers either to act as decoys during a raid or to gather information about a brothel Survivors work as counselors giving immediate guidance to the terrified rescued girls None of them have weapons and the threat of violence is constant But Prajwala offers its employees something precious the opportunity to make a profound impact in people s lives day after day 19 Today Prajwala regularly partners with Anti Human Trafficking Units ATHUs State CID inspectors and Women Protection Cells across India to investigate and rescue women from the flesh trade 20 The organization extends moral financial legal and social support to victims and ensures that perpetrators are brought to justice 21 Prajwala also operates three Crisis Counseling Centers in police stations at entry and exit points throughout Hyderabad to identify minors in prostitution and intercept trafficking cases 22 So far the organization has rescued over 9 500 victims 23 from commercial sexual exploitation 24 Rehabilitation edit In order to address the multi dimensional needs of trafficked victims Prajwala facilitates psychological economic and civic aspects of rehabilitation for rescued children and adults citation needed Prajwala has built a residential shelter home 65 km close to Hyderabad to provide a safe and healing environment for young women and girls rescued from the flesh trade When they first arrive victims often attempt to escape or commit suicide due to extreme post traumatic stress disorder Stockholm syndrome and life threatening diseases such as HIV AIDS which is why crisis counseling and psychosocial support is provided to aid the healing process 25 With the help of social workers medical staff caretakers and teachers Prajwala also provides health care education yoga amp meditation nutritious diet therapeutic programs amp activities and life skills amp vocational training 26 As part of economic empowerment Prajwala helps survivors acquire the skills and capacities needed to gain a dignified livelihood and thrive independently In the small scale production cum training unit survivors become experts in non conventional trades such as welding bookbinding carpentry desktop publishing and screen printing 27 Prajwala s focus has been on tapping the innate potential and strengths of these survivors in ventures aimed at their re integration into the mainstream society as equals This means capitalizing on the strength that the girls were forced to acquire their fearlessness and lack of inhibition 28 The economic rehabilitation strategy involves intensive need and aptitude based research combined with market assessment in order to produce viable and sustainable economic opportunities 29 Prajwala works in cooperation with the corporate sector to place survivors in jobs according to their interests such as taxi drivers camera operators housekeepers security guards nursing attendants masons and more 30 31 Over the years hundreds of survivors have been trained in the production cum training unit and secured employment outside of the organization in service hospitality and construction industries 32 Prajwala s final phase of rehabilitation entails gaining a civic identity through provision of immediate relief benefits housing health ration and electoral photo identification cards 33 Over the years 521 survivors have been given housing under the weaker section s housing scheme a subsidised government welfare program 34 As Nirbhaya project advisor in Kerala 35 Ms Krishnan has also successfully appealed the government to provide financial compensation to minor rape victims 36 37 Re integration edit In order to help survivors successfully re integrate into mainstream society Prajwala re unites them with their families arranges for their marriage and supports independent living arrangements 38 In 2007 Prajwala launched the survivor s movement Aparajita meaning those who remain undefeated against all odds which is a network for re integrated survivors to access social support and a platform for advocacy 39 A two day National Survivor s Conference was organized by Prajwala in 2011 in which 40 Aparajita members prepared a charter on the course to be adopted in rescue and rehabilitation of trafficked victims which was presented to the Supreme Court to implement as a Victim Protection Protocol 40 Advocacy edit Prajwala has worked relentlessly to bring about a change in the attitude of India s government for victim friendly policies as well as awareness regarding sex trafficking through political legal and media advocacy citation needed Policy and legal advocacy edit In 2002 Prajwala conducted an action research and publication of a document entitled The Shattered Innocence on inter state trafficking from Andhra Pradesh to other states revealing the reality and magnitude of the crime along with a demographic profile of vulnerable communities 41 Upon submitting this report to the government a state level consultation on the need for a multi sectoral approach to address the issue emerged 42 In collaboration with Prajwala the Department of Women and Child Welfare started taking a proactive role in all post rescue work As a result of Prajwala s lobbying efforts a high level state coordination committee was formed with secretaries of all relevant government departments Draft guidelines of the state policy to combat trafficking was prepared by Prajwala and after state level cabinet member approval the policy was brought forth as GO Ms 1 Archived 2016 03 04 at the Wayback Machine on Jan 1 2003 43 In 2013 Prajwala lobbied extensively for an anti trafficking policy in Kerala called the Nirbhaya Fund Scheme for Women and Children and Ms Sunitha Krishnan became the state advisor for this groundbreaking policy 44 She was also appointed as a member of the Andhra Pradesh State Women s Commission 45 and contributed to India s new Bill on Rape which was passed in Parliament in 2013 46 to increase punitive measures for sexual violence and assault 47 Furthermore Ms Sunitha Krishnan has conducted sensitisation workshops for thousands of senior police officers judges prosecutors and Child Welfare Committee members 48 to equip them with the requisite understanding and skills to effectively handle cases of human trafficking and advocate for child friendly courts 49 As a result police personnel ranking from Superintendents to Sub Inspectors have been trained on how to combat the crime 50 and address the psycho social needs of victims during and after rescue 51 Media advocacy edit In collaboration with internationally acclaimed director Rajesh Touchriver Prajwala has produced several films on sex trafficking and child sexual abuse to educate and sensitise the masses The 2005 documentary Anamika The Nameless 52 won the AC award under Best Foreign Award category Best Editing from Festival Cine de Granada and Best Documentary Film Award at the HIFF 53 The film has since been included in the curriculum of India s National Police Academy and National Judicial Academy 54 Prajwala s shockingly vivid film The Sacred Face also broke the silence about the horrors of incest among high level officials in Hyderabad 55 In 2009 Ms Sunitha Krishnan gave a speech during an official TED India conference about Prajwala s work which has since inspired over 2 5 million viewers globally 56 Her July 2012 appearance on Aamir Khan s television show Satyamev Jayate was instrumental in not only garnering huge funds but also networking with business owners willing to provide job placements for survivors 57 In addition Prajwala sensitised over 3 000 corporate houses through the INK 58 and The Indus Entrepreneurs TiE conferences which made a deep impact on the attendees 59 In January 2013 Prajwala launched its bilingual feature film on sex trafficking titled Ente in Malayalam and Na Bangaru Talli in Telugu The Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Oommen Chandy and Social Welfare Minister M K Muneer attended the debut audio release of Ente in Kochi 60 as well as the film s premier in Trivandrum Na Bangaru Talli has won 5 international awards in 2013 61 including Best Feature Film Award at Trinity International Film Festival USA and Award of Excellence from IFFCRM Indonesia 62 Founders editMs Sunitha Krishnan is a rare breed of individual who has committed her life as a full time volunteer in Prajwala A mental health professional she has done extensive research and is essentially a field practitioner She has been instrumental in rescuing thousands of children from severely abusive conditions and restoring childhood to them Ms Sunitha Krishnan is making it possible for India s government and citizens organizations to manage jointly a range of protective and rehabilitative services for children and women who have been trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation For her efforts in the anti trafficking sector she has been awarded Stree Shakthi Puraskar National Award Perdita Huston Human Rights Award and the World Of Children Health Award 63 Bro Jose Vetticatil was an engineer by training As a brother belonging to the order of Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel Bro Jose was committed to the cause of deprived for 28 years He was involved in post earthquake rehabilitation efforts in Latur His main contribution was in the field of technical training for deprived boys As the Director of Boys Town a reputed technical training institute Bro Jose was instrumental in creating a self sustaining production cum training center As the erstwhile president of Prajwala Bro Jose was not only the guiding force behind all interventions but also the master mind behind all the economic rehabilitation programs After leading Prajwala for over nine years and shaping all its interventions Bro Jose Vetticatil died on 18 September 2005 64 Awards and recognition editPrajwala has received several national and international awards for its outstanding efforts In April 2008 Prajwala won the prestigious AGFUND International Award for its pioneering work to Combat Trafficking of Women and Children through Community Partnership 65 Prajwala received the National Award for Child Welfare from the Govt of India in February 2009 for the exceptional services it renders to prevent child trafficking and its outstanding efforts to rescue and rehabilitate child victims of sex trafficking 66 Edelgive Foundation the philanthropic arm of Edelweiss Capital conferred the EdelGive Social Innovation Award to Prajwala in 2011 for its path breaking work on economic security and livelihoods of victims of trafficking Based on her courageous and tireless work as an anti trafficking crusader Prajwala s founder Ms Sunitha Krishnan has also received numerous accolades and honors including Real Heroes Award from Reliance Foundation and CNN IBN 2008 67 Trafficking in Persons TIP Report Heroes from US Department of State 2009 John Jay College of Criminal Justice Awards 2011 68 Vanitha Woman of the Year Award 2011 69 Living Legends Award from Human Symphony Foundation 2013 70 Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Award 2013 71 and People of the Year award from Limca Book of Records 2014 72 See also editProstitution in India Prostitution in Asia Prostitution in Kolkata Prostitution in Mumbai World Charter for Prostitutes Rights Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee All Bengal Women s Union Sonagachi Kamathipura Garstin Bastion Road New Delhi Male prostitutionReferences edit Sunitha Krishnan episode no 1019 PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly 2007 01 05 Retrieved 2007 01 05 Hyderabad Gang rape survivor makes a film on her trauma runs home for those exploited IBN Live Archived from the original on 2014 07 11 Retrieved 2013 03 07 Preaching through the Mass Media Times of India 17 June 2005 Retrieved 2005 06 17 Translating Anger to Action to End Violence Against Women in India Vital Voices 2013 Archived from the original on 2014 03 16 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Innovative Activists Save Trafficking Victims in Jordan and India United States Embassy IIP Digital Retrieved 2009 06 16 Kanth K Rajani 2007 09 24 Hyderabad activist enables sex workers start life afresh Business Standard India Business Standard Retrieved 2007 09 25 India s Sex Industry She saves the innocent and pursues the guilty Reader s Digest Asia Archived from the original on 2016 08 22 Retrieved 2010 09 14 Indian Activist Warns Teens About Sex Trafficking New American Media Archived from the original on 2013 04 15 Retrieved 2006 12 27 Prajwala Smile Foundation 2009 Archived from the original on 2016 04 05 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Leger Foundation Member Profile May June 2012 Canadian Council for International Co operation 2012 Archived from the original on 2016 06 30 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Gutsy Crusader Fighting to free Women The Hindu 15 November 2009 Retrieved 2009 11 16 Sunitha Krishnan INK Talks 2012 Inspiring Women Sunitha Krishnan Fighting The Scourge Of Human Trafficking Kannadiga World 24 June 2013 Retrieved 2013 06 24 Staff Reporter 2011 03 28 Men do their bit to fight trafficking of women The Hindu Retrieved 2011 03 29 Sunitha Krishnan s Prajwala with new Mode of Resistance against Women Harassment Friday Matinee Show YouTube Archived from the original on 2014 07 11 Retrieved 2012 12 12 Bevco outlets witness MAD campaign against trafficking The New Indian Express Retrieved 2012 12 03 Jain Sonam 2011 07 30 She sets the bonded free The Hindu Retrieved 2011 07 30 She battles on The Deccan Herald 2011 02 18 Goldberg Michelle 2010 03 03 The Sex Slave Rescuer The Daily Beast Retrieved 2010 03 03 State CID rescues 10 women from Mumbai brothel The New Indian Express Retrieved 2012 09 21 Minor girls rescue effort begins in Kerala with launch of Nirbhaya The Times of India 19 October 2011 Retrieved 2011 10 19 Trafficking in Women and Children in India Orient Blackswan 2005 ISBN 9788125028451 Retrieved 2005 01 01 Tankha Madhur 2014 03 07 Mother of gang rape victim calls for unity in fighting crime The Hindu Retrieved 2014 03 07 She s Every Woman India Today Retrieved 2013 02 20 Laying bare the tentacles of trafficking The Hindu 2011 02 22 Archived from the original on 2011 02 27 Retrieved 2011 02 22 A Home Away From Home Prajwala Therapeutic Community YouTube Archived from the original on 2021 12 15 Retrieved 2011 08 05 Woman of Steel The Herald of India Archived from the original on 2016 03 10 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Compendium of Best Practices on Anti Human Trafficking by Non Governmental Organizations PDF United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 2008 100 Best Practices in Combating Trafficking In Persons The Role of Civil Society PDF The Protection Project 2012 Nerves of Steel The New Indian Express Retrieved 2013 09 22 Saint of the Streets The Times of India 2 January 2010 Retrieved 2010 01 02 Vital Voices The Power of Women Leading Change Around the World Vital Voices John Wiley amp Sons 2012 05 16 ISBN 9781118240533 Retrieved 2012 06 05 Sunitha Krishnan Prajwala World of Children 2006 Annual Report 2012 2013 PDF Prajwala 2013 Archived from the original PDF on 2016 06 08 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Sunitha Krishnan appointed advisor for Kerala women s project Business Standard India Business Standard Press Trust of India 2010 10 07 Retrieved 2010 10 07 Kerala govt announces Rs 3 lakh for Manipal rape victim Kannadiga World 24 July 2013 Retrieved 2013 07 24 Alarming rise in attacks on girl students Times of India 10 December 2013 Retrieved 2013 12 10 GlobalGiving The 50 Brides of Prajwala YouTube Archived from the original on 2021 12 15 Retrieved 2007 12 07 Aparajita The Undefeated Vital Voices 2013 Archived from the original on 2014 03 16 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Staff Reporter 2011 06 29 Survivors Recount their Ordeal The Hindu Retrieved 2011 06 30 Trafficking and the Law Socio Legal Information Cent 2011 ISBN 9788189479756 Church Study Documents Plight of Trafficked Women of Andhra Pradesh UCA News Retrieved 2002 10 24 No Funds Relief for Victims Post Noon 24 July 2013 Retrieved 2013 07 24 Sunitha Krishnan Advisor for Kerala women s Project Kerala Women Archived from the original on 2019 10 03 Retrieved 2013 01 21 Defunct Andhra Pradesh Women s Commission Reconstituted NDTV Retrieved 2013 06 03 Why Even Rapists Deserve Due Process Tehelka Archived from the original on 2014 03 16 Retrieved 2013 01 26 Prajwala December 2013 Monthly Newsletter PDF Karmayog 2013 Archived from the original PDF on 2016 05 08 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Staff Reporter 2012 10 08 Child Friendly Courts Needed The Hindu Retrieved 2012 10 09 Delhi Police organized workshop on human trafficking News Track India Retrieved 2013 10 03 Staff Reporter 2011 09 25 Workshop to discuss how to combat human trafficking The Hindu Retrieved 2011 09 26 Workshop on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings Police Wala News 2012 A Touching Depiction The Hindu 2005 Archived from the original on 2014 03 16 Anamika Wins Best Film Award in Non Fiction Category One India News 2008 01 10 Archived from the original on 2014 03 16 Retrieved 2008 01 10 Keeping hope alive Real life hero The Hindu 2009 07 29 Archived from the original on 2011 06 13 Retrieved 2009 07 30 Documentary on incest shocks viewers The Hindu 2008 03 15 Archived from the original on 2008 03 19 Retrieved 2009 07 30 Sunitha Krishnan The Fight Against Sex Slavery TED India 7 December 2009 Rebuilding Lives Prajwala begins the construction of a new life skills Center Satyamev Jayate 2013 Sunitha Krishnan A year after TEDIndia INKtalks INK Talks 2011 Archived from the original on 2014 03 16 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Women social entrepreneurs inspire attendees at TiEcon Delhi 2012 INK Talks Archived from the original on 2012 10 26 Retrieved 2012 10 09 Sunitha Krishnan s Ente audio CD released Indiavision Archived from the original on 2021 12 15 Retrieved 2012 12 08 I mortgaged my apartment to produce this film India Today Retrieved 2013 10 25 The story of Naa Bangaru Talli is quite shocking Rediff Online News Retrieved 2014 03 10 Sunitha Krishnan Ashoka 2002 Archived from the original on 2016 03 04 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Remembering A True Holy Man The Baltimore Sun Retrieved 2005 10 25 International Prize for Pioneering Development Projects AGFUND 2007 Archived from the original on 2013 07 23 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Prajwala Wins National Award The Hindu 2009 02 07 Archived from the original on 2013 10 23 Retrieved 2009 02 08 Real Heroes Award 2008 Reliance Foundation 2008 Archived from the original on 2017 02 13 Retrieved 2014 03 16 John Jay College Justice Awards 2011 John Jay College of Criminal Justice 2011 Archived from the original on 2011 11 25 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Vanitha Woman of the Year award for Sunitha The New Indian Express Retrieved 2010 07 25 Living Legend Award 2013 Human Symphony Foundation 2013 Archived from the original on 2014 03 16 Retrieved 2014 03 16 Sunitha Krishnan National Bravery Award 2013 YouTube Archived from the original on 2021 12 15 Retrieved 2013 05 08 People of the Year 2014 LIMCA Book of Records 2014 Archived from the original on 2015 01 19 Retrieved 2014 03 16 External links editPrajwala Website 1 Sunitha Krishnan A Trento il 3 ottobre alla Sala della Cooperazione Cinformi Oct 2 2013 2 Archived 2016 03 04 at the Wayback Machine Sunitha Krishnan and Prajwala Foundation Journalist Diary Tv9 June 3 2013 3 I experimented with myself during my stay in Mangalore The Hindu November 16 2012 4 From real to reel The Hindu June 20 2012 5 The Ugly Truth Has A Disha Hope Houston South Asian Lifestyle Society News April 8 2011 6 Half the Sky Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Spectrum Magazine Jun 7 2010 7 Saving the Children Christianity Today 8 Price III G Jefferson Women who shoulder the world s burdens with grace Christian Science Monitor April 10 2006 9 Portals nbsp India nbsp human sexuality nbsp Prostitution nbsp Sex work nbsp Feminism Retrieved from 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