Prajwala

{{Short description|Organization against prostitution and sex trafficking.}}

{{Infobox organization

| name = Prajwala

| logo = Image:Prajwala.jpg

| type = Non-Governmental Organization

| founded_date = {{Start date and age|1996}}

| founders = Ms. Sunitha Krishnan and Brother Jose Vetticatil

| location = Hyderabad, India

| focus = Anti-Sex Trafficking

| num_employees = 200

| homepage = {{URL|http://www.prajwalaindia.com}}

}}

Prajwala is a non-governmental organization based in Hyderabad, India, devoted exclusively to eradicating prostitution and sex trafficking. Founded in 1996 by Ms. Sunitha Krishnan and Brother Jose Vetticatil, the organization actively works in the areas of prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, re-integration, and advocacy to combat trafficking in every dimension and restore dignity to victims of commercial sexual exploitation.

Currently, Prajwala runs seventeen transition centers for children of women in prostitution,{{cite web| url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/2007/01/05/january-5-2007-sunitha-krishnan/3767/ |publisher= PBS Religion and Ethics Newsweekly |title=Sunitha Krishnan, episode no 1019 |accessdate=2007-01-05|date= 2007-01-05 }} three crisis counseling centers in police stations, a production-cum-training unit for economic rehabilitation, and a therapeutic shelter home for sex trafficked women and children,{{cite web| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alIXTQFjoHI |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711222617/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alIXTQFjoHI |archive-date=2014-07-11 |url-status=dead|publisher= IBN Live|title= Hyderabad: Gang-rape survivor makes a film on her trauma, runs home for those exploited |accessdate=2013-03-07}} the majority of whom are HIV positive.{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad-times/Preaching-through-the-mass-media/articleshow/1145434.cms |newspaper= Times of India|title= Preaching through the Mass Media |date= 17 June 2005|accessdate=2005-06-17}} Out of its 200 employees, 70% are survivors themselves.{{cite web | url=http://www.vitalvoices.org/node/3471 | publisher=Vital Voices | title=Translating Anger to Action to End Violence Against Women in India | year=2013 | access-date=2014-03-16 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20140316104014/http://www.vitalvoices.org/node/3471 | archive-date=2014-03-16 | url-status=dead }} Prajwala also forms partnerships with local communities, civil society, corporate agencies and government bodies on various aspects of prevention, protection and prosecution throughout India and the world.{{cite web| url=http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/article/2009/06/20090609155714ajesrom4.254657e-02.html#axzz2vdhun5SR |publisher= United States Embassy – IIP Digital|title= Innovative Activists Save Trafficking Victims in Jordan and India|accessdate=2009-06-16}}

Mission

Prajwala holds the conviction that sex trafficking is the worst form of human rights violation and flesh trade the oldest form of sexual slavery. The organization is dedicated to creating a trafficking-free society where no woman or child is sexually exploited and no human being is treated as a commodity. The larger goal is to demonstrate best field practices for up-scaling, replication and adaptation by state and non-state agencies to ensure anti-trafficking mechanisms are in place.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

History

The philosophy of Prajwala evolved after the oldest red light district of Hyderabad city, Mehboob ki Mehindi, was forcibly evacuated in 1996. As a result, thousands of women caught in the clutches of prostitution were suddenly uprooted, homeless and displaced.{{cite news| url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/hyderabad-activist-enables-sex-workers-start-life-afresh-107092501105_1.html |publisher= Business Standard|title= Hyderabad activist enables sex workers start life afresh |accessdate=2007-09-25|newspaper= Business Standard India|date= 2007-09-24|last1= Kanth|first1= K. Rajani}} Based on the women's plea for a dignified future for their children, two visionaries—a Catholic Missionary named Brother Jose Vetticatil and a then Hindu nun Ms. Sunitha Krishnan—joined forces to initiate an intervention to prevent minors from entering the sex trade. This program, called Prevention Through Education, initially consisted of a small school run out of a vacated brothel.{{cite web|url= http://www.rdasia.com/india-sex-industry|publisher= Reader’s Digest Asia|title= India's Sex Industry: She saves the innocent and pursues the guilty|accessdate= 2010-09-14|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160822210749/http://www.rdasia.com/india-sex-industry|archive-date= 2016-08-22|url-status= dead}}

The ongoing process of interaction with the women posed a threat to the traffickers, the middle-men, and the brokers, which led to a long challenge and struggle for the core team of Prajwala. The founders were faced with life-threatening situations a number of times,{{cite web | url=http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=34b15b208f46187a371ddda12eca34b9 | publisher=New American Media | title=Indian Activist Warns Teens About Sex Trafficking | accessdate=2006-12-27 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415123608/http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=34b15b208f46187a371ddda12eca34b9 | archive-date=2013-04-15 | url-status=usurped }} which they braved through with the conviction that a viable alternative is possible. The enormity of the situation and the vastness of the task did not stop Prajwala from making a small change in this community. As the journey progressed, Prajwala's reach expanded to meet the multifold needs of victims and establish a wide range of anti-trafficking initiatives, with full faith in people's participation in the process of social transformation.{{cite web| url=http://smilefoundationindia.org/prajwala.htm| publisher=Smile Foundation| title=Prajwala| year=2009| access-date=2014-03-16| archive-date=2016-04-05| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405062055/http://www.smilefoundationindia.org/prajwala.htm| url-status=dead}}

The Approach

Over the years, Prajwala evolved need-based interventions through a multi-pronged, strategic approach, consisting of five pillars: prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, re-integration, and advocacy.{{cite web | url=http://www.ccic.ca/members/profiles/l'oeuvre_leger_2012-06_e.php | publisher=Canadian Council for International Co-operation | title=Léger Foundation Member Profile May-June 2012 | year=2012 | access-date=2014-03-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630224435/http://ccic.ca/members/profiles/l'oeuvre_leger_2012-06_e.php | archive-date=2016-06-30 | url-status=dead }}

=Prevention=

Prajwala uses value-based education as a primary tool to prevent children of women in prostitution from entering this trade.{{cite web| url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-eworld/gutsy-crusader/article1084575.ece |work= The Hindu|title= Gutsy Crusader: Fighting to free Women |date= 15 November 2009|accessdate=2009-11-16}} The organization's transition centers in Hyderabad function as bridging schools which not only foster the overall development of the children, but also equip them with the necessary psychosocial and scholastic skills to ensure a bright future that breaks the cycles of poverty and social exclusion. Mothers as well as local leaders serve as key contributors and partners in this program. Till date these centers have reached out to over 7,000 children and prevented them from being inducted into inter-generational prostitution.{{cite web| url=http://www.inktalks.com/people/sunithakrishnan |publisher= INK Talks|title= Sunitha Krishnan|year=2012}}

The organization also builds the capacities of individuals and groups through active linkage with community members, police and district administration to create a zero tolerance for commercial sexual exploitation.{{cite web| url=http://kannadigaworld.com/special/women/18551.html |publisher= Kannadiga World|title= Inspiring Women: Sunitha Krishnan – Fighting The Scourge Of Human Trafficking |date= 24 June 2013|accessdate=2013-06-24}} In 2011, Prajwala initiated a mass campaign called Men Against Demand (MAD),{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/men-do-their-bit-to-fight-trafficking-of-women/article1580932.ece |newspaper= The Hindu|title= Men do their bit to fight trafficking of women |accessdate=2011-03-29|date= 2011-03-28|author= Staff Reporter}}{{cite web| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYw9DQs29FY |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711230215/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYw9DQs29FY |archive-date=2014-07-11 |url-status=dead|publisher= Friday Matinee Show –YouTube|title= Sunitha Krishnan's Prajwala with new Mode of Resistance against Women Harassment|accessdate=2012-12-12}} which mobilises men to take a stand against seeking paid sex and encourages them to fight against sex trafficking by abolishing its demand.{{cite web| url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article1364448.ece#.UyBLpz-SzXQ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316152112/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/article1364448.ece#.UyBLpz-SzXQ | url-status=dead | archive-date=March 16, 2014 |publisher= The New Indian Express |title= Bevco outlets witness 'MAD' campaign against trafficking|accessdate=2012-12-03}} Since its inception, Prajwala's Community-based Prevention Program has sensitised over 8 million people.{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/magazine/she-sets-the-bonded-free/article2308291.ece |newspaper= The Hindu |title= She sets the bonded free |accessdate=2011-07-30|date= 2011-07-30 |last1= Jain |first1= Sonam }}

=Rescue=

In the initial years, Prajwala had negative experiences with cops, so the Rescue and Restoration Program team worked independently, without police cooperation. However, when a member of the team—an ex-pimp—was brutally murdered in 1999, Prajwala began collaborating with law enforcement officials to conduct joint rescue operations.{{cite web| url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/138840/she-battles-on.html |publisher= The Deccan Herald |title= She battles on|date= 2011-02-18 }}

Sometimes, the men pose as customers, either to act as decoys during a raid or to gather information about a brothel. Survivors work as counselors, giving immediate guidance to the terrified rescued girls. None of them have weapons, and the threat of violence is constant. But Prajwala offers its employees something precious—the opportunity to make a profound impact in people’s lives day after day.{{cite news| url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2010/03/03/the-sex-slave-rescuer.html |newspaper= The Daily Beast |title= The Sex-Slave Rescuer|accessdate=2010-03-03|date= 2010-03-03 |last1= Goldberg |first1= Michelle }}

Today, Prajwala regularly partners with Anti-Human Trafficking Units (ATHUs), State CID inspectors and Women Protection Cells across India to investigate and rescue women from the flesh trade.{{cite web| url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article1237403.ece?service=print| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316141814/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra_pradesh/article1237403.ece?service=print| url-status=dead| archive-date=March 16, 2014|publisher= The New Indian Express |title= State CID rescues 10 women from Mumbai brothel |accessdate=2012-09-21}} The organization extends moral, financial, legal and social support to victims and ensures that perpetrators are brought to justice.{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Minor-girls-rescue-effort-begins-in-Kerala-with-launch-of-Nirbhaya/articleshow/10408595.cms?referral=PM|work= The Times of India|title=Minor girls rescue effort begins in Kerala with launch of Nirbhaya|date= 19 October 2011|accessdate=2011-10-19}} Prajwala also operates three Crisis Counseling Centers in police stations at entry and exit points throughout Hyderabad to identify minors in prostitution and intercept trafficking cases.{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1xFnEyqFupUC|publisher= Orient Blackswan|title= Trafficking in Women and Children in India|accessdate=2005-01-01|isbn= 9788125028451|year= 2005}} So far, the organization has rescued over 9,500 victims{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/mother-of-gangrape-victim-calls-for-unity-in-fighting-crime/article5760115.ece|newspaper= The Hindu|title= Mother of gang-rape victim calls for unity in fighting crime |accessdate=2014-03-07|date= 2014-03-07|last1= Tankha|first1= Madhur}} from commercial sexual exploitation.{{cite web| url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/shes-every-woman/1/250981.html |publisher= India Today|title=She's Every Woman|date= 20 February 2013|accessdate=2013-02-20}}

=Rehabilitation=

In order to address the multi-dimensional needs of trafficked victims, Prajwala facilitates psychological, economic and civic aspects of rehabilitation for rescued children and adults.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

Prajwala has built a residential shelter home 65 km close to Hyderabad to provide a safe and healing environment for young women and girls rescued from the flesh trade. When they first arrive, victims often attempt to escape or commit suicide due to extreme post-traumatic stress disorder, Stockholm syndrome and life-threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS, which is why crisis counseling and psychosocial support is provided to aid the healing process.{{cite web| url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/22/stories/2011022260560700.htm| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227063604/http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/22/stories/2011022260560700.htm| url-status=dead| archive-date=2011-02-27| work=The Hindu|title= Laying bare the tentacles of trafficking | date=2011-02-22|accessdate=2011-02-22}} With the help of social workers, medical staff, caretakers and teachers, Prajwala also provides health care, education, yoga & meditation, nutritious diet, therapeutic programs & activities, and life-skills & vocational training.{{cite web| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YziMgRL8UZM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/YziMgRL8UZM |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title= A Home Away From Home - Prajwala Therapeutic Community|website=YouTube |date=5 August 2011 |accessdate=2011-08-05}}{{cbignore}}

As part of economic empowerment, Prajwala helps survivors acquire the skills and capacities needed to gain a dignified livelihood and thrive independently. In the small-scale production-cum-training unit, survivors become experts in non-conventional trades such as welding, bookbinding, carpentry, desktop publishing and screen printing.{{cite web | url=http://www.heraldofindia.com/achiever.php?id=283 | publisher=The Herald of India | title=Woman of Steel | access-date=2014-03-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310042721/http://heraldofindia.com/achiever.php?id=283 | archive-date=2016-03-10 | url-status=dead }}

Prajwala’s focus has been on tapping the innate potential and strengths of these survivors in ventures aimed at their re-integration into the mainstream society as equals. This means capitalizing on the strength that the girls were forced to acquire – their fearlessness and lack of inhibition.{{cite web| url=http://www.unodc.org/pdf/india/publications/CompendiumBestPracticesHumanTrafficking.pdf|publisher= United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime|title= Compendium of Best Practices on Anti-Human Trafficking by Non-Governmental Organizations|year=2008}}

The economic rehabilitation strategy involves intensive need and aptitude-based research, combined with market assessment in order to produce viable and sustainable economic opportunities.{{cite web| url=http://www.protectionproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/100-Best-Practices-in-Combating-TIP_Final-Doc1.pdf |publisher= The Protection Project|title= 100 Best Practices in Combating Trafficking In Persons: The Role of Civil Society|year=2012}} Prajwala works in cooperation with the corporate sector to place survivors in jobs according to their interests, such as taxi drivers, camera operators, housekeepers, security guards, nursing attendants, masons and more.{{cite web| url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/Nerves-of-steel/2013/09/22/article1793955.ece#.UyAnHj-SzXR| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925050943/http://newindianexpress.com/magazine/Nerves-of-steel/2013/09/22/article1793955.ece#.UyAnHj-SzXR| url-status=dead| archive-date=September 25, 2013|publisher= The New Indian Express|title= Nerves of Steel|accessdate=2013-09-22}}{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Saint-of-the-streets-/articleshow/5404987.cms?referral=PM |work= The Times of India|title= Saint of the Streets|date= 2 January 2010|accessdate=2010-01-02}} Over the years, hundreds of survivors have been trained in the production-cum-training unit and secured employment outside of the organization in service, hospitality, and construction industries.{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tY8kXfiicE4C|publisher= Vital Voices, John Wiley & Sons|title= Vital Voices: The Power of Women Leading Change Around the World |accessdate=2012-06-05|isbn= 9781118240533|date= 2012-05-16}}

Prajwala's final phase of rehabilitation entails gaining a civic identity through provision of immediate relief benefits, housing, health, ration and electoral photo identification cards.{{cite web| url=http://www.worldofchildren.org/honoree/sunitha-krishnan/|publisher= World of Children|title= Sunitha Krishnan: Prajwala|year=2006}} Over the years, 521 survivors have been given housing under the weaker section's housing scheme—a subsidised government welfare program.{{cite web|url= http://www.prajwalaindia.com/images/downloads/Annual%20Report%20-%202012-2013.pdf|publisher= Prajwala|title= Annual Report 2012-2013|year= 2013|access-date= 2014-03-16|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160608182801/http://prajwalaindia.com/images/downloads/Annual%20Report%20-%202012-2013.pdf|archive-date= 2016-06-08|url-status= dead}} As Nirbhaya project advisor in Kerala,{{cite news| url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/sunitha-krishnan-appointed-advisor-for-kerala-women-s-project-113011800495_1.html|publisher= Business Standard|title= Sunitha Krishnan appointed advisor for Kerala women's project|accessdate=2010-10-07|newspaper= Business Standard India|date= 2010-10-07|agency= Press Trust of India}} Ms. Krishnan has also successfully appealed the government to provide financial compensation to minor rape victims.{{cite web| url=http://kannadigaworld.com/news/karavali/23850.html|publisher= Kannadiga World|title= Kerala govt announces Rs. 3 lakh for Manipal rape victim|date= 24 July 2013|accessdate=2013-07-24}}{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Alarming-rise-in-attacks-on-girl-students/articleshow/27153999.cms |newspaper= Times of India|title= Alarming rise in 'attacks' on girl students|date= 10 December 2013|accessdate=2013-12-10}}

=Re-integration=

In order to help survivors successfully re-integrate into mainstream society, Prajwala re-unites them with their families, arranges for their marriage, and supports independent-living arrangements.{{cite web| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okZBJwx-z_g |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/okZBJwx-z_g |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title= GlobalGiving: The 50 Brides of Prajwala.|website=YouTube |accessdate=2007-12-07}}{{cbignore}} In 2007, Prajwala launched the survivor's movement Aparajita (meaning "those who remain undefeated against all odds"), which is a network for re-integrated survivors to access social support and a platform for advocacy.{{cite web|url= http://www.vitalvoices.org/node/3472|publisher= Vital Voices|title= Aparajita: The Undefeated|year= 2013|access-date= 2014-03-16|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316142251/http://www.vitalvoices.org/node/3472|archive-date= 2014-03-16|url-status= dead}} A two-day National Survivor's Conference was organized by Prajwala in 2011 in which 40 Aparajita members prepared a charter on the course to be adopted in rescue and rehabilitation of trafficked victims, which was presented to the Supreme Court to implement as a Victim Protection Protocol.{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/survivors-recount-their-ordeal/article2146459.ece|newspaper= The Hindu|title= Survivors Recount their Ordeal|accessdate=2011-06-30|date= 2011-06-29|author= Staff Reporter}}

=Advocacy=

Prajwala has worked relentlessly to bring about a change in the attitude of India's government for victim-friendly policies, as well as awareness regarding sex trafficking, through political, legal, and media advocacy.{{cn|date=March 2022}}

==Policy and legal advocacy==

In 2002, Prajwala conducted an action research and publication of a document entitled [https://books.google.com/books?id=bf6YPwAACAAJ The Shattered Innocence] on inter-state trafficking from Andhra Pradesh to other states, revealing the reality and magnitude of the crime along with a demographic profile of vulnerable communities.{{cite book| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h_TD24H4troC|publisher= Socio Legal Information Cent|title= Trafficking and the Law|year=2011|isbn= 9788189479756}} Upon submitting this report to the government, a state-level consultation on the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address the issue emerged.{{cite web|url= http://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=/2002/10/24/church-study-documents-plight-of-trafficked-women-of-andhra-pradesh&post_id=21513|publisher= UCA News|title= Church Study Documents Plight of Trafficked Women of Andhra Pradesh|accessdate= 2002-10-24|archive-date= 2014-03-16|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316141124/http://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=/2002/10/24/church-study-documents-plight-of-trafficked-women-of-andhra-pradesh&post_id=21513|url-status= dead}}

In collaboration with Prajwala, the Department of Women and Child Welfare started taking a proactive role in all post-rescue work. As a result of Prajwala's lobbying efforts, a high-level state coordination committee was formed with secretaries of all relevant government departments. Draft guidelines of the state policy to combat trafficking was prepared by Prajwala, and after state-level cabinet member approval, the policy was brought forth as [http://www.aponline.gov.in/Quick%20Links/Departments/Women%20Development,%20Child%20Welfare%20and%20Disabled%20Welfare/Govt-Gos-Acts/2003/GO.Ms.1.2003.html GO Ms 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000519/http://www.aponline.gov.in/Quick%20Links/Departments/Women%20Development,%20Child%20Welfare%20and%20Disabled%20Welfare/Govt-Gos-Acts/2003/GO.Ms.1.2003.html |date=2016-03-04 }} on Jan 1, 2003.{{cite web| url=http://issuu.com/postnoon/docs/epaper_24_july_2013|publisher= Post Noon|title=No Funds, Relief for Victims|date= 24 July 2013|accessdate=2013-07-24}}

In 2013, Prajwala lobbied extensively for an anti-trafficking policy in Kerala called the Nirbhaya Fund Scheme for Women and Children, and Ms. Sunitha Krishnan became the state advisor for this groundbreaking policy.{{cite web|url=http://www.keralawomen.gov.in/index.php/headlines/270-sunitha-krishnan-advisor-for-kerala-women-s-project-1|publisher=Kerala Women|title=Sunitha Krishnan: Advisor for Kerala women's Project|accessdate=2013-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003134023/http://www.keralawomen.gov.in/index.php/headlines/270-sunitha-krishnan-advisor-for-kerala-women-s-project-1|archive-date=2019-10-03|url-status=dead}} She was also appointed as a member of the Andhra Pradesh State Women's Commission{{cite web| url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/south/defunct-andhra-pradesh-women-s-commission-reconstituted-374843|publisher= NDTV|title= Defunct Andhra Pradesh Women's Commission Reconstituted|accessdate=2013-06-03}} and contributed to India's new Bill on Rape, which was passed in Parliament in 2013{{cite web|url= http://www.tehelka.com/why-even-rapists-deserve-due-process/?singlepage=1|publisher= Tehelka|title= Why Even Rapists Deserve Due Process|accessdate= 2013-01-26|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316141318/http://www.tehelka.com/why-even-rapists-deserve-due-process/?singlepage=1|archive-date= 2014-03-16|url-status= dead}} to increase punitive measures for sexual violence and assault.{{cite web|url= http://www.karmayog.in/nl/sites/default/files/Jan14/Prajwala%20Newsletter%20-%20December%202013.pdf|publisher= Karmayog|title= Prajwala: December 2013 Monthly Newsletter|year= 2013|access-date= 2014-03-16|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160508100902/http://www.karmayog.in/nl/sites/default/files/Jan14/Prajwala%20Newsletter%20-%20December%202013.pdf|archive-date= 2016-05-08|url-status= dead}}

Furthermore, Ms. Sunitha Krishnan has conducted sensitisation workshops for thousands of senior police officers, judges, prosecutors and Child Welfare Committee members{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/childfriendly-courts-needed/article3980186.ece|newspaper= The Hindu|title= Child-Friendly Courts Needed|accessdate=2012-10-09|date= 2012-10-08|author= Staff Reporter}} to equip them with the requisite understanding and skills to effectively handle cases of human trafficking and advocate for child-friendly courts.{{cite web|url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/10/3/225-Delhi-Police-organized-workshop-on-human-trafficking.html|publisher= News Track India|title= Delhi Police organized workshop on human trafficking|accessdate=2013-10-03}} As a result, police personnel ranking from Superintendents to Sub Inspectors have been trained on how to combat the crime{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/workshop-to-discuss-how-to-combat-human-trafficking/article2486277.ece|newspaper= The Hindu|title=Workshop to discuss how to combat human trafficking|accessdate=2011-09-26|date= 2011-09-25|author= Staff Reporter}} and address the psycho-social needs of victims during and after rescue.{{cite web|url=http://policewala.in/article-detail.php?ArticleID=n2NgnQ%3D%3D&CategoryID|publisher= Police Wala News|title= Workshop on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings|year=2012}}

==Media advocacy==

In collaboration with internationally acclaimed director Rajesh Touchriver, Prajwala has produced several films on sex trafficking and child sexual abuse to educate and sensitise the masses. The 2005 documentary Anamika—The Nameless{{cite web| url=http://www.hindu.com/lf/2005/02/16/stories/2005021603160200.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316142512/http://www.hindu.com/lf/2005/02/16/stories/2005021603160200.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=2014-03-16 | work=The Hindu |title=A Touching Depiction|year=2005}} won the AC award under "Best Foreign Award" category, Best Editing from [https://web.archive.org/web/20120427015724/http://www.mamut.net/2cine/newsdet8.htm Festival Cine de Granada] and Best Documentary Film Award at the HIFF.{{cite web|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2008/01/10/anamika-wins-best-film-award-in-non-fiction-category-1199982764.html|publisher=One India News|title=Anamika Wins Best Film Award in Non-Fiction Category|accessdate=2008-01-10|date=2008-01-10|archive-date=2014-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316141615/http://news.oneindia.in/2008/01/10/anamika-wins-best-film-award-in-non-fiction-category-1199982764.html|url-status=dead}} The film has since been included in the curriculum of India's National Police Academy and National Judicial Academy.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/07/30/stories/2009073050560100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613052135/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/07/30/stories/2009073050560100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-06-13|title=Keeping hope alive Real-life hero|accessdate=2009-07-30|newspaper=The Hindu|date= 2009-07-29}} Prajwala's shockingly vivid film The Sacred Face also broke the silence about the horrors of incest among high-level officials in Hyderabad.{{cite news|url= http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/16/stories/2008031657550200.htm|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080319231846/http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/16/stories/2008031657550200.htm|url-status= dead|archive-date= 2008-03-19|title=Documentary on incest shocks viewers|accessdate=2009-07-30|newspaper= The Hindu|date=2008-03-15}}

In 2009, Ms. Sunitha Krishnan gave a speech during an official TED India conference about Prajwala's work, which has since inspired over 2.5 million viewers globally.{{cite web|url=http://www.ted.com/talks/sunitha_krishnan_tedindia |publisher=TED India|title=Sunitha Krishnan: The Fight Against Sex Slavery|date=7 December 2009 }} Her [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBc9s2R7mJs July 2012 appearance] on Aamir Khan’s television show Satyamev Jayate was instrumental in not only garnering huge funds but also networking with business owners willing to provide job placements for survivors.{{cite web| url=http://www.satyamevjayate.in/the-idea-of-india/rebuilding-lives.aspx|publisher= Satyamev Jayate|title= Rebuilding Lives: Prajwala begins the construction of a new life-skills Center|year=2013}} In addition, Prajwala sensitised over 3,000 corporate houses through the INK{{cite web|url= http://www.inktalks.com/discover/185/sunitha-krishnan-a-year-after-tedindia|publisher= INK Talks|title= Sunitha Krishnan: A year after TEDIndia #INKtalks|year= 2011|access-date= 2014-03-16|archive-date= 2014-03-16|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316141848/http://www.inktalks.com/discover/185/sunitha-krishnan-a-year-after-tedindia|url-status= dead}} and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) conferences, which made a deep impact on the attendees.{{cite web|url= http://entrepreneurindia.in/thebuzz/specialreport/women-social-entrepreneurs-inspire-attendees-at-tiecon-delhi-2012/15723/|publisher= INK Talks|title= Women social entrepreneurs inspire attendees at TiEcon Delhi 2012|accessdate= 2012-10-09|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121026001137/http://entrepreneurindia.in/thebuzz/specialreport/women-social-entrepreneurs-inspire-attendees-at-tiecon-delhi-2012/15723/|archive-date= 2012-10-26|url-status= dead}}

In January 2013, Prajwala launched its bilingual feature film on sex trafficking titled [http://www.entethemovie.com/ Ente] in Malayalam and Na Bangaru Talli in Telugu. The Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Oommen Chandy and Social Welfare Minister M. K. Muneer attended the debut [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=083bv4nmuRY audio release of Ente] in Kochi{{cite web| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFP0i8C5dRY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/KFP0i8C5dRY |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|publisher= Indiavision|title= Sunitha Krishnan's 'Ente" audio CD released|date=8 December 2012 |accessdate=2012-12-08}}{{cbignore}} as well as the film's premier in Trivandrum. Na Bangaru Talli has won 5 international awards in 2013,{{cite web| url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/i-mortgaged-my-apartment-to-produce-this-film-says-rajesh-touchriver/1/320154.html|publisher= India Today|title= I mortgaged my apartment to produce this film|date= 25 October 2013|accessdate=2013-10-25}} including Best Feature Film Award at [http://trinityinternationalfilmfest.blogspot.in/p/blog-page_22.html Trinity International Film Festival], USA and Award of Excellence from IFFCRM, Indonesia.{{cite web| url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-story-of-naa-bangaru-talli-is-quite-shocking-south/20140310.htm|publisher= Rediff Online News|title=The story of Naa Bangaru Talli is quite shocking.|accessdate=2014-03-10}}

Founders

Ms. Sunitha Krishnan is a rare breed of individual who has committed her life as a full-time volunteer in Prajwala. A mental health professional, she has done extensive research and is essentially a field practitioner. She has been instrumental in rescuing thousands of children from severely abusive conditions and restoring childhood to them. Ms. Sunitha Krishnan is making it possible for India's government and citizens organizations to manage jointly a range of protective and rehabilitative services for children and women who have been trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation. For her efforts in the anti-trafficking sector she has been awarded Stree Shakthi Puraskar (National Award), Perdita Huston Human Rights Award and the World Of Children Health Award.{{cite web|url=https://www.ashoka.org/node/2645|publisher=Ashoka|title=Sunitha Krishnan|year=2002|access-date=2014-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062433/https://www.ashoka.org/node/2645|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=dead}}

Bro Jose Vetticatil was an engineer by training. As a brother belonging to the order of Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel, Bro Jose was committed to the cause of deprived for 28 years. He was involved in post-earthquake rehabilitation efforts in Latur. His main contribution was in the field of technical training for deprived boys. As the Director of Boys Town, a reputed technical training institute, Bro Jose was instrumental in creating a self-sustaining production-cum-training center. As the erstwhile president of Prajwala, Bro Jose was not only the guiding force behind all interventions but also the master mind behind all the economic rehabilitation programs. After leading Prajwala for over nine years and shaping all its interventions, Bro Jose Vetticatil died on 18 September 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2005/10/25/remembering-a-true-holy-man/|work=The Baltimore Sun|title=Remembering A True Holy Man|access-date=2005-10-25|archive-date=2014-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316135906/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2005-10-25/news/0510250043_1_hyderabad-brother-traffickers|url-status=live}}

Awards and recognition

Prajwala has received several national and international awards for its outstanding efforts:

In April, 2008, Prajwala won the prestigious AGFUND International Award for its pioneering work to Combat Trafficking of Women and Children through Community Partnership.{{cite web|url= http://www.agfund.org/en/prize/the_winner/prize_2007/Pages/default.aspx|publisher= AGFUND|title= International Prize for Pioneering Development Projects|year= 2007|access-date= 2014-03-16|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130723132335/http://www.agfund.org/en/prize/the_winner/prize_2007/Pages/default.aspx|archive-date= 2013-07-23|url-status= dead}}
Prajwala received the National Award for Child Welfare from the Govt. of India in February, 2009 for the exceptional services it renders to prevent child trafficking and its outstanding efforts to rescue and rehabilitate child victims of sex trafficking.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/08/stories/2009020859450300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023150052/http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/08/stories/2009020859450300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-10-23|title= Prajwala Wins National Award|accessdate=2009-02-08|newspaper=The Hindu|date= 2009-02-07}}
Edelgive Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Edelweiss Capital, conferred the EdelGive Social Innovation Award to Prajwala in 2011 for its path-breaking work on economic security and livelihoods of victims of trafficking.

Based on her courageous and tireless work as an anti-trafficking crusader, Prajwala's founder Ms. Sunitha Krishnan has also received numerous accolades and honors including Real Heroes Award from Reliance Foundation and CNN-IBN (2008),{{cite web|url=http://realheroes.com/sunita-krishnan.php|publisher=Reliance Foundation|title=Real Heroes Award 2008|year=2008|access-date=2014-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213043347/http://www.realheroes.com/sunita-krishnan.php|archive-date=2017-02-13|url-status=dead}} [https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/tip/rls/tiprpt/2009/123131.htm Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes] from US Department of State (2009), John Jay College of Criminal Justice Awards (2011),{{cite web|url=http://www.nycaribnews.com/news.php?viewStory=1029|publisher=John Jay College of Criminal Justice|title=John Jay College Justice Awards 2011|year=2011|access-date=2014-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125172147/http://nycaribnews.com/news.php?viewStory=1029|archive-date=2011-11-25|url-status=dead}} Vanitha Woman of the Year Award (2011),{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/article186558.ece?service=print|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080606/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/article186558.ece?service=print|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2016|publisher= The New Indian Express|title= Vanitha Woman of the Year award for Sunitha|accessdate=2010-07-25}} Living Legends Award from Human Symphony Foundation (2013),{{cite web|url=http://www.humansymphonyfoundation.org/Awards_Bios/Krishnan-bio.htm|publisher=Human Symphony Foundation|title=Living Legend Award 2013|year=2013|access-date=2014-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316140150/http://www.humansymphonyfoundation.org/Awards_Bios/Krishnan-bio.htm|archive-date=2014-03-16|url-status=dead}} Godfrey Phillips National Bravery Award 2013,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8qIs9CG3e4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/v8qIs9CG3e4 |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title= Sunitha Krishnan: National Bravery Award 2013|website=YouTube |date=8 May 2013 |accessdate=2013-05-08}}{{cbignore}} and People of the Year award from Limca Book of Records, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.limcabookofrecords.in/peopleoftheyear/26.aspx|publisher=LIMCA Book of Records|title=People of the Year 2014|year=2014|access-date=2014-03-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119055206/http://www.limcabookofrecords.in/peopleoftheyear/26.aspx|archive-date=2015-01-19|url-status=dead}}

References

External links

Prajwala Website [http://www.prajwalaindia.com]
"Sunitha Krishnan A Trento: il 3 ottobre alla Sala della Cooperazione." Cinformi. Oct 2, 2013. [http://www.cinformi.it/index.php/news_ed_eventi/archivio_news/anno_2013/sunitha_krishnan_a_trento/(offset)/0/(limit)/4/(sb)/312] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073800/http://www.cinformi.it/index.php/news_ed_eventi/archivio_news/anno_2013/sunitha_krishnan_a_trento/(offset)/0/(limit)/4/(sb)/312 |date=2016-03-04 }}
"Sunitha Krishnan and Prajwala Foundation." Journalist Diary - Tv9. June 3, 2013. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSDZkihQ3mk]
"I experimented with myself during my stay in Mangalore." The Hindu. November 16, 2012. [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/i-experimented-with-myself-during-my-stay-in-mangalore/article4100516.ece]
"From real to reel." The Hindu. June 20, 2012. [http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/from-real-to-reel/article3550949.ece]
"The Ugly Truth: Has A Disha (Hope)." Houston South Asian Lifestyle Society News. April 8, 2011 [http://www.lcahouston.com/2011/04/the-ugly-truth-has-a-disha-hope/]
"Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women." Spectrum Magazine. Jun 7, 2010. [https://web.archive.org/web/20141127224324/http://spectrummagazine.org/review/2010/06/07/half-sky-turning-oppression-opportunity-women]
"Saving the Children." Christianity Today. [http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/juneweb-only/savingchildren.html]
Price III, G. Jefferson, "Women who shoulder the world's burdens with grace," Christian Science Monitor, April 10, 2006 [http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0410/p09s01-coop.htm]