Rescued victims of sex trafficking get a new life in laundry services | Goa News – Times of India
Rescued victims of sex trafficking get a new life in laundry services IndiaTimes
sdgtalks
Rescued Victims of Commercial Sex Exploitation Find Livelihood in Goa
Introduction
Five washing machines buzz continuously in a large laundry unit on the first floor of a building in Kharewado, Vasco. In another room, several women are busy ironing and sorting. At first glance, this 150sqm unit, spread across four rooms in a nondescript building in the port town, could be any large laundry operation in Goa or beyond. However, this unit is unique as all the women employed here are rescued victims of commercial sex exploitation. The project, called WISH (Women’s initiative for self-help), aims to provide livelihood opportunities to these women and prevent re-trafficking.
The WISH Project and Its Objectives
ARZ (Anyay Rahit Zindagi), the organization behind WISH, believes that along with rescuing victims and prosecuting offenders, it is crucial to empower survivors of sex trafficking by offering them sustainable livelihood options. The WISH project plans to establish 10 similar laundries across the state of Goa, enabling rescued women to work in their respective places of residence. By engaging these women in meaningful employment, WISH aims to support their exit from commercial sexual exploitation and promote their reintegration into society.
Testimonials from Rescued Women
A woman working at the unit shared her experience, stating that no one willingly chooses to be involved in prostitution. However, the lack of alternative opportunities forces individuals to continue in this exploitative industry. She expressed her excitement about working at WISH and regaining control over her life. She emphasized the importance of providing job opportunities to survivors, enabling them to live with dignity and support their families.
“Initially, I was hesitant, but my children and other girls working at WISH encouraged me. Now, I have been working at WISH for a year. I am now going to work in the laundry unit and will be involved in collection and delivery. I am very excited with the restarting of the laundry unit. At WISH, I have got my life back. Now, I want to live!”
Reviving Employment Opportunities During the Pandemic
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses, including SwiftWash, a mechanized laundry unit that employed former commercial sex workers, had to shut down. SwiftWash had provided employment to 1,500 victims in Goa over 15 years. However, WISH’s laundry unit marks a significant step forward as it becomes the first initiative since the pandemic to employ former commercial sex workers for laundry services.
The Scope of WISH and its Impact
WISH not only focuses on laundry services but also offers other livelihood options. It has established a paper products production unit for making paper bags, tissue paper, and toilet rolls. Additionally, WISH engages in handicrafts and upcycling clothes. Currently, it provides livelihood opportunities to around 35 victims of commercial sex exploitation. Over the past 20 years, WISH has successfully supported the livelihoods of approximately 2,500 victims of sex trafficking in Goa.
Conclusion
The WISH project in Goa is a commendable initiative that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality and Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. By empowering survivors of sex trafficking through meaningful employment, WISH contributes to their rehabilitation and prevents re-trafficking. It serves as a model for other regions to follow in their efforts to support the sustainable reintegration of survivors into society.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation | – Number of women rescued from sex trafficking – Number of women employed in the laundry units |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms | – Number of victims of sex trafficking provided with employment opportunities – Number of victims of sex trafficking engaged in the laundry services |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies | – Number of victims of sex trafficking provided with livelihood opportunities in their respective places of residence – Number of victims of sex trafficking prevented from re-trafficking |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | – Number of children of victims of sex trafficking admitted to boarding schools |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 5: Gender Equality
The issue of commercial sex exploitation and the employment of rescued victims are connected to SDG 5, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The employment opportunities provided to victims of sex trafficking align with SDG 8, which focuses on eradicating forced labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking, and promoting decent work for all.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The efforts to provide livelihood opportunities to victims of sex trafficking in their respective places of residence address SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities and ensure safe and responsible migration.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The provision of support services and education for the children of victims of sex trafficking aligns with SDG 16, which aims to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
– Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
– Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
– Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.
– Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
– Number of women rescued from sex trafficking
– Number of women employed in the laundry units
– Number of victims of sex trafficking provided with employment opportunities
– Number of victims of sex trafficking engaged in the laundry services
– Number of victims of sex trafficking provided with livelihood opportunities in their respective places of residence
– Number of victims of sex trafficking prevented from re-trafficking
– Number of children of victims of sex trafficking admitted to boarding schools
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by tracking the number of individuals benefiting from the initiatives and assessing their transition from exploitation to sustainable livelihoods.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation | – Number of women rescued from sex trafficking – Number of women employed in the laundry units |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms | – Number of victims of sex trafficking provided with employment opportunities – Number of victims of sex trafficking engaged in the laundry services |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies | – Number of victims of sex trafficking provided with livelihood opportunities in their respective places of residence – Number of victims of sex trafficking prevented from re-trafficking |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | – Number of children of victims of sex trafficking admitted to boarding schools |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: m.timesofindia.com
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
