Today, Meena* leaves for work knowing that her income comes from a safer and more dignified source. She now earns by packing vegetables at a company. It may look like a simple job, but for Meena, it represents a life she once struggled to imagine — a life outside the sex trade, free from addiction, and moving towards stability.
Reaching this point was not easy. Meena’s life had been marked by nearly 20 years of exploitation, instability, addiction, and emotional distress. She grew up in a financially disadvantaged family, and after marriage, she faced abuse and lack of support. She worked in agricultural fields to meet her daily needs, but the income was not enough to give her stability.
Hoping for better employment, Meena travelled to different cities in search of work. Instead, she faced repeated exploitation and was eventually brought into the sex trade. Even after escaping one difficult situation, financial pressure and limited livelihood options pushed her back into vulnerability. For many years, she remained in the sex trade, moving from place to place, while also struggling with dependence on alcohol and cigarettes. Emotionally, she felt broken and had little hope that her life could change.
Sahaara staff first met Meena during a field visit in 2024. At that time, she needed support with identity documents and help finding employment outside the sex trade. The Parivartan team began engaging with her regularly, slowly helping her identify a safer and more sustainable livelihood path.
Through Project Parivartan, Meena received documentation assistance, counselling, de-addiction support, life skills guidance, and help finding alternative employment. The team also counselled her partner, helping him understand how he could support Meena in leaving the sex trade. His involvement became an important part of her journey towards a more stable life.
With continued guidance from Sahaara and support from her partner, Meena decided to leave the sex trade. She found employment at a company, where she now earns an income through vegetable packing. Sahaara continues to support the family through ration assistance and is also helping her partner with the process of opening a bank account.
The change in Meena has been significant. She is no longer dependent on alcohol or cigarettes. She is now working, and her partner is also employed and continues to support her. Counselling and life skills support have helped her become more open about sharing her feelings and challenges, manage her emotions better, and strengthen her mental wellbeing.
Meena says, “I am thankful to Sahaara for helping me obtain documents, find a job, and begin a new life.” Her partner shares, “I am grateful to Sahaara for supporting her to leave the sex trade and move towards a better life.”
Today, the woman who once felt emotionally broken and without hope is building a life based on employment, mutual support, and greater stability. Her journey is still continuing, but she and her partner are living with greater dignity and hope for the future. With continued mentoring and practical support, Meena hopes to maintain her employment, strengthen her family’s stability, and one day settle into a peaceful and secure life.
*Name changed to protect identity