I grew up in a village in India - Priya’s Story
Priya’s Story - Told by Traci Smith…
“I grew up in a village in India. As the youngest daughter in a large family, I was virtually invisible. Food was hard to come by, even when we had it, I was the last to eat. So one day when a recruiter came to my village in search of young women to work in the city, My father, desperate for money, sent me with him. And I had no choice but to go. I tried to fight. But at 13, I couldn’t fight them off. Customers came. So many customers came. I wept. I wanted to die. The days darkened into months then years. This was not the life I wanted. This a life no one wants. It is brutal, dehumanizing, and unforgiving. But then, I conceived. A small life created in such ugliness. Against all odds, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy right there in that brothel. I was happy to not be alone, to have someone on my side. I dreamt of what the future might hold for my son… and perhaps for me if in his teens years he would help to take me from this place. Four days later he died. Life had no meaning.”
Traci-Smith - Aruna 5K Card with Picture
I am Traci Smith. I came across Priya’s story when I began my acquaintance with an organization called the Aruna Project, a charity that helps women in India who are sold into sex slavery. I became involved through my uncle who serves on the board of Aruna. I was so touched by stories like Priya’s, that I began by donating, and then became involved when he asked me to host a 5K race in the Chicago area to raise funds.
India still separates people by classes. Aruna selected Mumbai, one of the poorest regions of India, because it is so easy for young women to become victims of sex traffickers. If her parents don’t have the means to arrange for a marriage, the young girl is sold to a brothel—often the only choice. It is not only damaging psychologically, but healthcare is not available. Emotional and educational growth are non existant. Over time, the thought of escaping becomes nearly impossible.
This is where Aruna steps in.
Aruna is so much more than a charity. They not only rescue women from brothels; they find them safe housing, teach them a trade, provide health and child care until they are able to live independent lives. But the decision to leave the brothel takes enormous courage.
Women who are sex slaves are mentally imprisoned. They feel they can’t get out, so they end up being held hostage both physically and emotionally. Aruna breaks through by giving these women confidence. When they make the decision to leave, Aruna sneaks them out by cab late at night. They go immediately to safe housing in safe-space communities that partner with organizations in Mumbai. Aruna provides accommodations for women who have children as well as those who do not.
The making of self-supporting artisans
In addition to counseling, shelter, and healthcare, Aruna provides artisan training with one goal in mind: to help these women earn a trade and a living wage so that, as free human beings, they can support themselves and their families. Artisans earn 4x more than the average wage for an unskilled laborer and additional employee benefits. From each pay cycle, money is put into a Provident Fund contributing to retirement in Artisans’ later years.
Priya today
“I have been with Aruna for five years now. As I look back, I never imagined life free from that place because I was a slave there. I tried to run away but never succeeded. I thought I would have to live there until death. But now…this place, these people, this life…Aruna is where I am meant to be. I enjoy my freedom, do things my way. I’ve become a master in tailoring, and I help bring freedom to other women just like me.”
You can meet Priya and others just like her and purchase their products at https://arunaproject.com.
Register here for the Elmhurst Aruna Run (5K) to be held on June 25 at 8:30 a.m., or donate here.
Run For Her Freedom, Run for Aruna T-shirts
La Jolie MLN: It’s our mission to give young ladies the lessons all of you can share with us. So, let’s share our experiences, strength and stories. I cordially invite you to join a cohort of empowered women. Please send your stories to Blog@lajolie-mln.com