Empowering Sex Traffic Survivors

Offspring || Kolkata, India

Introduction

Human trafficking is a global issue that affects approximately 21 million people, as it is a hidden crime though it is hard to get an exact figure. According to the Department of Defense, an estimated $99 billion is made annually through sex trafficking alone, with 4.5 million people in forced sexual exploitation worldwide.

In India, sex trafficking is a widespread problem, with Kolkata being one of the worst-affected cities. Poverty and familial pressure often force women and girls into prostitution, leaving them vulnerable to violence, abuse, and health risks. Even after being rescued from their situations, survivors often face further challenges, such as being shunned by their families and communities, making it difficult to find a job or a place to live. Some even feel like they have no choice but to return to sex trafficking.

This is where Offspring comes in to help make sure sex trafficking survivors don't have to return to where they've come from, but instead are empowered and have everything they need for a brighter future.

Disclaimer: No pictures showcase any sex traffic survivors faces out of respect for them and their safety.

Collection of images from the streets of Kolkata, India.

The Solution

Offspring is an organization that is dedicated to empowering sex trafficking survivors in Kolkata and stop the vulnerable from being vulnerable again. They provide vocational training, education, one on one support, safety, life skills, midway home, health checkups and employment opportunities for these women, helping them gain all the necessary tools and skills to break the cycle of trafficking.

Textiles

Their program teaches women textile skills so they can then be employeed to create a range of textile products, including bags and blankets. Part of Offsprings values is about making a holistic impact all the way down to even the materials they use, so all materials used have been carefully sourced to ensure the best quality and ethically supplied. One amazing example of how they are ensuring their products are ethically created is by repurposing used saris and then using them as the fabric to create their products. This is a great example of how an organisation can make an impact in multiple areas of their work.

Disclaimer: No pictures showcase any sex traffic survivors faces out of respect for them and their safety. Any faces shown are part of the Offspring team.

The Products

Showcased below are some of the products made by the girls. We asked them if we could take a photo of them with their favourite bags they've recently made. You can see the level of detail gone into each item and additionally how each of them are unique.

We then did a little shoot with one of the employees with a couple of their blankets, that of which was full of a lot of laughs as she had never modelled before yet did an amazing job.

Education and Support

There are many other ways Offspring is helping empower these women including education. Education is an important part to helping not just give the girls an opportunity to get better jobs in the future, but even so help with their own growth and healing.

Showcased below you can see the girls doing class together, and then all having fun doing henna on their arms.

The Future

Offspring is a beacon of hope for survivors of sex trafficking in Kolkata and beyond. With their support, these survivors are gaining the skills and confidence they need to rebuild their lives and create a brighter future for themselves.

To learn more about the work of Offspring or to purchase one of their beautiful handmade products visit Offspring.