A few years ago, I had the opportunity to be one of an external evaluation team for a reputed NGO that engaged in rescue of trafficked girls and their rehabilitation. I was quiet impressed by the way each and every project and activity was well planned and strategic. They presented case stories and statistics that proved they were moving towards their goal.
The project worked in tandem with Govt. initiatives, other NGOs, and locals to rescue and rehabilitate women and young girls who have been trafficked. This saved many from the world of prostitution and sexual slavery.
After going through their after-care and rehabilitation activities such as a safe shelter, embroidery and a tailoring class, I was somehow prompted to ask one question. “How many women have been really rescued from prostitution.” they once again showed us their statistics. I once again asked the question, “How many of you are personally convinced that women have been REALLY rescued from prostitution? How do u make sure that they are again not vulnerable to being trafficked?” there was a silence.
With my experience in working in the field, I brought to their notice that every woman has a dream. The dream. Is to have a husband she can call her own, children that she can call her own, raise a family that is her own. Then I asked one straight question. How many of you young people are really passionate about your work? ” They all raised their hands. Then I put another question, “How many of you, young men, are willing to marry women who have been rescued from the world of prostitution.” They was a very discomforting silence. I was thrown out of the evaluation team. Neither did the organisation pay me for the work I did, nor did I get to see the final evaluation report.
IT IS VERY URGENT AND IMPORTANT TO RESCUE AND REHABILITATE WOMEN FROM THE WORLD OF SEXUAL SLAVERY BUT IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO ‘BREAK THE CYCLE’, AND THIS IS POSSIBLE ONLY IN A REAL FAMILY.
Giving away certificates, sewing machines and sending them back to their villages does not end their vulnerability. Only a safe and secure FAMILY does.
NGOs need to have a paradigm shift in their core values. Success stories are not about how an organisation has achieved in terms of its objects and the Logical Framework but it is about the very personal success of each and every beneficiary that they claim to provide ‘service’ to.
I would like to encourage a discussion on this as I can present a few real and rare success case studies of how a family has helped BREAK THE CYCLE of prostitution.
