We provide support, empowerment, emergency rescue & healthcare to sex workers, including trafficked minors, transgenders, MSM and those affected by HIV. We enable them to become their own agents for social change, breaking the crippling cycles of exploitation. By sheltering & educating their children we prevent 2nd-generation prostitution & empower the same children to support their mothers to leave the sex trade & many also help other exploited women through social work.
Trafficking & prostitution is a US$1 billion business & an estimated 1.2 million children are in prostitution in India. Children of sex workers are exposed to their mother's profession, addictions, violence & child labour. While girls are groomed in the business, boys often become pimps. 75% of our sex workers, including transgender & MSM, are illiterate, unable to break free from their bondage, more likely to catch HIV & less likely to own identity papers.
Snehalaya enables sex workers to become agents for social change, with 2 FSWs on our board since 1989. There is 100% condom usage & no underage or 2nd-generation sex workers & we have reduced STD rates to some of the lowest in India. In 2006, a rescue of 2 minors exposed & secured double life sentences for 20 highly influential figures. We have sheltered & educated over 1,000 vulnerable children & with COVID affecting their income have helped 35 FSWs find new vocations.
"Every child & woman has the right to lead a life, free from discrimination, inequality and exploitation. This is the key to our nation building" Dr Girish Kulkarni founder of Snehalaya. Snehalaya means 'Home of Love' and its just that for many marginalised women and children in Maharashtra, India, who have no one else to turn to. The goal is simple to combat poverty and exploitation of all people adversely affected by the commercial sex industry in India. To strive for the basic human rights of its clients through offering pathfinding and practical support methods. To continue to provide rescue, shelter and care for their vulnerable clients to find their way to a better empowered life. Snehalaya also is dedicated to giving support and operating without any religious or political agenda.
Trafficking & prostitution is a US$1 billion business & an estimated 1.2 million children are in prostitution in India. Children of sex workers are exposed to their mother's profession, addictions, violence & child labour. While girls are groomed in the business, boys often become pimps. 75% of our sex workers, including transgender & MSM, are illiterate, unable to break free from their bondage, more likely to catch HIV & less likely to own identity papers.
Snehalaya enables sex workers to become agents for social change, with 2 FSWs on our board since 1989. There is 100% condom usage & no underage or 2nd-generation sex workers & we have reduced STD rates to some of the lowest in India. In 2006, a rescue of 2 minors exposed & secured double life sentences for 20 highly influential figures. We have sheltered & educated over 1,000 vulnerable children & with COVID affecting their income have helped 35 FSWs find new vocations.
"Every child & woman has the right to lead a life, free from discrimination, inequality and exploitation. This is the key to our nation building" Dr Girish Kulkarni founder of Snehalaya. Snehalaya means 'Home of Love' and its just that for many marginalised women and children in Maharashtra, India, who have no one else to turn to. The goal is simple to combat poverty and exploitation of all people adversely affected by the commercial sex industry in India. To strive for the basic human rights of its clients through offering pathfinding and practical support methods. To continue to provide rescue, shelter and care for their vulnerable clients to find their way to a better empowered life. Snehalaya also is dedicated to giving support and operating without any religious or political agenda.
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