Kshamata Has Transformed The Lives Of 400+ Survivors, Help Them Rescue Many More

Mehrunissa* had dreamt of the big city, of happiness and love. But life had other plans for her. Tricked by her brother-in-law, she was sold into the flesh trade and ended up in the Bhiwandi red light area. She cried, protested, and begged for help but in vain. Gradually, she lost all hope of escape. She got caught during one of the police raids. She was hurt and angry. Years of abuse and torture had inflicted a lot of pain. 

But thanks to the constant love and support from the skilled volunteers of Kshamata, she slowly took control of her life. She learned stitching and jewellery making and now runs a tailoring shop. Kshamata was there for her when no one was - Mehrunissa has finally found happiness and dignity because of Kshamata’s efforts. 

Since its inception, Kshamata has empowered over 400 young girls and women like Mehrunissa 

They all have heartbreaking stories to share and have been rescued from vulnerable and exploitative situations. The brainchild of Bharathy Tahiliani, this NGO based out of Thane, is a safe home for survivors that helps them give their lives a fresh start. Kshamta dreams of a world free of exploitation, where women can live confident lives, with a clear sense of positive identity and self-worth.

Trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation is an organized crime that violates basic human rights. India has emerged as a source, destination, and transit for both in-country and cross-border trafficking. The cities of Mumbai and Thane are major locations for such trafficking. Over the years, several government and non-governmental organizations have been relentlessly working to rescue countless such women but tackling the commercial sexual exploitation industry is especially challenging due to its myriad complexities and variations.

Besides, closely working with survivors of sex trafficking, Kshamata also works with domestic violence and sexual abuse survivors. These women are often deserted or abandoned or are forced to leave their homes making them extremely vulnerable. 

“These young girls and women suffer a lot - they are forced to stay in dingy rooms and everyday around 10-15 people force themselves on them.  The survivors are often subject to severe trauma and are unable to fit back into society. Kshamata works to bridge that gap,” - explains Archana Walanjkar, a volunteer with Kshamata. 

The Kshamata Transformation Center (KTC) is a residential training center for women. In the safe environment of Kshamata, they are given the love and care these women deserve.

Besides warm meals, they also learn life skills, vocational skills, and job readiness, and are trained in tailoring, embroidery, catering, and beautician courses. Along with this, they learn job-preparatory skills like spoken English, computer skills, and functional literacy. The center encourages higher education as well for those interested. 

“Finding suitable accommodations can be difficult for women on their own in Mumbai, especially for those who have no savings of any kind. However, these survivors have shown us that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. Kshamata helps them become self-sufficient ie through a unique model of group stay units, which has proven to be incredibly successful over the past 6 years.”  

Kshamata supports the setting of independent group stay facilities, with the initial deposit, rent for 4-6 months, if required, and furnishing provided by the kind donors of the organisation. 

Kshamata now needs your help to continue its noble mission 

Kshamata urgently requires groceries, hygiene materials, and medicines to assist hundreds of vulnerable women. This is your chance to aid Archana and her team in rescuing and rehabilitating thousands of women in distress. Please donate generously to create a lasting impact.

*- name changed to maintain confidentiality

About the NGO: Founded by Bharathy Tahiliani, Kshamata is an NGO based out of Thane, Maharashtra that aims to touch lives and empower women and adolescent girls in vulnerable and exploitative situations to become respected, productive, and earning citizens by providing opportunities for training, employment and reintegration in society. Over the years, they have transformed the lives of 400+ vulnerable women and intend to continue their work even in the future.