This was the first line I read on the International Sanctuary website, and a tidal wave of memories from a trip to the red light district in Mumbai came rushing back.
My most heartbreaking memory involves a girl in her late teens being spotted on the streets of Kamathipura. While this isn’t unusual to most, my companions and I were all in shock. The girl, Baby, had been rescued ten months prior to this sighting, after brokering a deal with her madam, years after being sold into the flesh trade as a young girl. After being rescued from her bleak existence, she was sent back to her family to begin the process of healing emotionally, mentally, and physically. Unable to accept their daughter back into their hearts and home, they took what little money she had with her and cast her out forever. Baby eventually found herself back in the open arms of her madam and once again in the red light district.
I cannot begin to explain the heaviness in my heart as I typed out each word of that story. Baby’s is only one story out of the estimated 20.9 million men, women, and children who are trafficked for commercial sex or forced labor around the world today. Victims are trafficked both within and across international borders affecting 161 countries worldwide. Only a fraction of these 21 million humans are ever rescued.
So, then what? How do we prevent heart wrenching stories like that of Baby from happening again and again?
Meet International Sanctuary, an organization committed to empowering and supporting victims of human trafficking through fashion. The team at iSanctuary works endlessly to end the cycle of human trafficking through providing self-sufficiency options to survivors. They ensure that when a young woman walks through the door at International Sanctuary, the label of “trafficked victim” is removed and she is immediately treated as an individual. The environment is positive and upbeat, giving her the opportunity to gain dignity and confidence.
I stumbled upon the beautiful handmade jewelry of iSanctuary after a workshop at Yoga House in Bandra and immediately fell in love. I bought close to the entire display, instagrammed the heavens out of them, and received so many questions on where people could find buy the jewelry as well. This started my wheels turning and I wrote to their founder in California who connected me with their team in Mumbai.
With her ever enthusiastic and sunshiny disposition, my lovely friend Pooja Dhingra of Le 15 Patisserie joined me to meet the Mumbai team and we are excited to announce the first flash sale for International Sanctuary at Le 15 Bandra on the 13th of May from 5-9pm where you can buy purchase with purpose and nibble on tasty treats graciously provided by Le 15. 100% of the sales will be given directly to International Sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled for an event at Ellipsis coming up soon.
More information on International Sanctuary can be found on:
isanctuary.org
facebook.com/isanctuarymumbai
instagram: isanctuary
For more information on human trafficking, please visit www.polarisproject.org