By Saving Children Of Sex Workers From Abuse & Agony, Oasis India Has Transformed Countless Lives

Among the many painful stories that make up Mumbai’s red light area, there lies one common thread - resilience. Sex workers in India have to overcome many challenges and learn to navigate their way through stigma, prejudice and discrimination. They’re forced to live in terrible conditions, with no access to even basic healthcare. Their children, unfortunately, suffer with them. 

“They don’t want their children to go through what they did. Many of the sex workers were coerced at a young age and brought to these areas under the guise of a better life. They have struggled every step of the way and want only the best for their kids. Take Farah’s* story for example, she was tricked into coming to Kamathipura when she was just 12. At 18, she married a customer and soon became pregnant. However, her husband had planned to kill both of them. Farah found a way to leave the area and brought her daughter to our night shelter for girls. Today Farah is working in a hotel and her daughter is getting the education she deserves.” - Sulekha Thappa, Deputy Director 

This just goes to show that amidst the darkness, there is a flicker of hope. Through Oasis India’s efforts, countless children of sex workers have started dreaming of a better life. 

Stigma & Discrimination Keeps Them Isolated, Oasis India Is Changing This 

Children of sex workers are subjected to so much social stigma because of their parent’s profession. They don’t have access to proper education and are often isolated as a result. They’re also at a higher risk of being exposed to exploitation, abuse and trafficking. 

“These mothers have the same dream as any other parent - they want their child to get a good education and make a name for themselves, away from the red light area. However, it’s not so easy. There are prying eyes everywhere, especially on their daughters. At Oasis India we’re working to end this cycle of pain. These children deserve to be in a safe and nurturing environment and we’re giving them that through our night shelters.” - Vishwas Udgirkar, Manager - Fundraising & Communication 

Their outreach team visits these sex workers and their children every day and invites them to visit their shelters so that they can see the life their children could have. The children at the shelters are given three healthy meals every day, along with access to education and medical care. 

Oasis India has been actively supporting sex workers and their children in Mumbai by not only giving them access to healthcare and education but also counselling, skill training and economic empowerment opportunities. Their holistic approach and tireless efforts have transformed the lives of countless children. 

“A 15-year-old boy came to us after his mother found him being irregular to school and involved in various unpleasant activities. When he was held back in class due to his behaviour, she decided he needed more help. So she brought him to us. With consistent counselling, he is now back on track in school. Finishing school will open up a whole new world of opportunities for him, and that’s what we hope for every child here.” - Sulekha Thappa

With Your Support, A Future Filled With Hope & Opportunities Awaits Them 

They currently have 40 children in their care - 20 girls and 20 boys. These children, though young, have been through a lot. The abuse and agony they have faced is unimaginable. But thanks to Oasis India, they’re encouraged to dream of a better tomorrow. They’re involved in various extracurricular activities, field trips, counselling sessions and more. 

“These children too have so many dreams and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to support them on this journey. But we can’t do this on our own. We need your support to continue helping children of sex workers.” - Sulekha Thappa

Oasis India now needs your help to get groceries, hygiene products and medicines so that they can continue to give these children the care they need.  With your support, they can live a life far from the pain and suffering of the red light area. 

About the NGO: Oasis India has been actively supporting sex workers and their children in Mumbai by giving not only giving them access to healthcare and education but also counselling, skill training and economic empowerment opportunities. Their holistic approach and tireless efforts have transformed the lives of countless children. The organization also focuses on community development, fostering partnerships, raising awareness, and advocating for the rights and well-being of marginalized individuals. They began their work in 1993 by working to uplift people living in the slums of Mumbai. Today, they continue to impact people in Karnataka , Tamil Nadu, Manipur , Assam and Meghalaya.