Heena* was only 13 when her parents decided she should marry someone she did not know. She had feelings for someone else, but her parents did not consider her wishes. At this difficult time, her aunt in Mumbai convinced her to run away, promising her a job and freedom. Trusting her, Heena left her village, hoping for a better future. But instead of helping her, her aunt sold her into the sex trade in Bhiwandi. At first, Heena resisted, but threats and fear soon made her surrender. She spent the next 15 years trapped in this life, facing daily struggles and having no clear way out.
During a field visit, staff from Sahaara Charitable Society met Heena and started talking with her. They invited her to their centre, where she attended sessions on health, money management, and vocational skills. Over time, Sahaara helped her start a small dosa business in the red-light area, giving her a safer way to earn money. They also provided rent and ration support when she faced financial difficulties. Through mentoring and counseling, Heena began thinking about leaving the sex trade. She joined a tailoring course at the centre and later found a part-time job at a sanitary pad manufacturing unit, giving her an alternate income source.
Heena’s family, except for her mother, does not know about her work in Mumbai. Her mother has been encouraging her to return home. With Sahaara’s help, Heena has new skills and safer ways to earn a living. She is now financially independent and feels hopeful about the future. She plans to leave the trade for good and return to her family. For now, she continues working at the sanitary pad unit while planning for her next step.
Heena says, “I learned a lot about the world through the staff at Sahaara. Their interventions have helped me learn to love myself again.”
Her partner also supports her and says, “I am encouraging her to exit the trade and am ready to help her in any way necessary.”
*Names changed to protect identities.
