In 2021, Neela and her husband Jitendra* were among the seventy-nine individuals trafficked from their village in Bihar to a brick kiln in Rajasthan. They endured grueling conditions, working long hours without basic necessities under verbal abuse from their employers. Rescued in 2022 through a collaboration of a JVI Justice Hub and various local authorities, they faced uncertainty about their future.
Upon their rescue, Neela and Jitendra struggled to find stable livelihoods, putting them at risk of being re-trafficked. Recognizing their vulnerability, the Justice Hub aftercare team encouraged them to start saving, providing them with a piggy bank and counseling to teach responsible financial practices.
With support from the aftercare team, they received training in animal husbandry and were given ten ducks to start their own business. Neela and Jitendra also worked to reclaim their mortgaged land, eventually freeing it from debt through their savings efforts. Neela’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to further expand their business by purchasing nine additional ducks and eventually opening a cosmetic shop near their home.
Neela and Jitendra’s resilience and determination serve as an inspiration for all survivors hoping for a brighter future, showcasing the power of perseverance and community support in overcoming adversity after trafficking.
*Names changed to protect identity
