There is nothing stronger than a woman who has rebuilt herself

Meet Sahira Taneja, a diligent 17-year-old student in grade 12 at Suncity School Gurgaon, who took on the challenging issue of human trafficking in her TribesforGOOD project. Her deep commitment to this cause was fueled by her desire to make a difference in the lives of those who have been victimised and exploited.

In addition to her research and advocacy efforts, Sahira also wrote a paper on the importance of financial inclusion in the fight against human trafficking. She recognized that economic vulnerability and poverty can be significant drivers of trafficking, and that providing survivors with access to financial resources and support can help them rebuild their lives and break free from exploitation. Read her article below.

It was a Wednesday morning at school when we began studying the chapter on Gender, Religion, and Caste. Intrigued by the content in our book, I became concerned about the role of women in our society. Consequently, I decided to conduct extensive research on the topic “Differences in pay between the private and government sectors in the education industry.” I collected responses from over 50 teachers with over 3 years of experience in the field, and it became evident that a gender pay gap persists even in today’s world. As I pondered over this issue, I realized that if such situations exist in privileged environments, they would be exponentially worse in less privileged ones.

Fortunately, during my search on the web, I came across an NGO called KShamata, based in Thane, Mumbai. I had the opportunity to interview one of its team members, Ms. Archana, who has been associated with the organization for more than 4 years now. KShamata provides homes for survivors, mostly women, offering them the support and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives. This non-profit organization works tirelessly towards two main goals: imparting financial literacy and empowering women who have endured challenges such as human trafficking, domestic violence, and more.

I partnered with KShamata through an organization called TribesForGood, and I am immensely grateful for the chance to teach these women various financial concepts. Some of the topics covered include online payments, DEMAT accounts, and the workings of banks. Alarmingly, one-third of women in the country lack basic financial literacy. Financial independence is essential in today’s world, as it allows for a stress-free life and the freedom to make decisions without hindrance, thereby increasing income.

KShamata collaborates with various partners, including TribesforGOOD, to achieve its goals of helping women survivors overcome the immense trauma they have endured for extended periods. While it is a challenging process, the positive aspect is that these women stay with the organization for a period of 2-3 years, during which they gain the necessary skills and are provided with job opportunities to earn their livelihoods.

As members of society, it is our responsibility to contribute by assisting these less fortunate women in achieving their dreams. This could involve becoming a donor or simply volunteering at the NGO, even for a short period of time. Remember that even the smallest acts can make a significant difference in someone’s life, and you could be the reason for countless smiles. So, if you decide to work for a noble cause and help these women strengthen themselves from the difficult circumstances they have come from, don’t forget to visit the NGO’s website at https://www.kshamata.org/impact.php

“Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the whole world for one person.”

Sahira’s project on human trafficking and financial inclusion serves as an inspiration to all of us. Her dedication and empathy towards survivors are evident in her work, and her project reminds us of the impact young people can have when they choose to use their voices and talents for good. Sahira’s partnership with KShamata and TribesforGOOD to teach financial literacy to survivors is a commendable effort towards helping them rebuild their lives and break free from exploitation.

If you want to uncover insights and begin your change-making journey just like Sahira did, sign up for the upcoming cohorts of our Global Challenges & Social Justice Program.

Pitch us your idea today! Not sure which theme to pick, email us at mandeep@tribesforgood.com to book a 20-minute consult.