India’s number one apparel exporter, Shahi Exports and Know Me India Trust (KMIT) have recently announced their partnership to support vulnerable and at-risk women in India against poverty and human trafficking.
The company announced on its social media platform that the partnership implements Project Swabhimaan which provides life skills training, sector-specific technical training and job opportunities or support in opening a small business for women from vulnerable social and economic communities, particularly those at risk of human trafficking and exploitation.
The programme will also provide mentorship and motivation to encourage and support women in their journey toward financial stability and independence.
The partnership furthers the joint vision of both organisations, creating a sustainable and direct employment pathway for the most disadvantaged and at-risk women in Jharsuguda, Odisha.
Anant Ahuja, Head of Organisational Development at Shahi Exports, said, “We are delighted to partner with Know Me India Trust to create this opportunity for women from disadvantaged communities. Our company is built on the foundation of empowerment of women and a spirit to contribute towards the development of communities in which we operate. This partnership is aligned with our efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods, fight against human trafficking and modern slavery, and provide opportunities for women to become financially independent.”
Data suggest that about eight million people in India are trapped in human trafficking. The number of persons trafficked for forced labour in India is 20 to 65 million. And 90 per cent of the trafficking occurs domestically, intrastate or interstate. The joint initiative by Shahi Exports and KMIT is particularly significant in this context as it seeks to support vulnerable and at-risk women against poverty and human trafficking by supporting them in providing training and livelihood.
The project will ensure that 100 per cent of the vulnerable and at-risk women going through the programme will experience a 65 per cent increase in income and sustain this growth over the next two years. KMIT is set to take up the challenge of supporting women under the Swabhimaan programme in achieving economic security while successfully breaking the cycle of exploitation and human trafficking.
