This article and Prasanna's story was contributed by Sudara.
Sudara's founding belief is that "no human being should be owned by anyone, anywhere, for any reason, ever." Their mission has changed countless women’s lives in India with their creation of safe, sustainable jobs.
Sudara’s comfy and kaleidoscopic PUNJAMMIES™ are crafted by courageous women, who have escaped human trafficking. Watch and read on to learn more about one artisan who forged a new life for herself.
Prasanna's story:
After many years working in the commercial sex trade, Prasanna's mom was told that she had HIV. Prasanna watched as her mom's health deteriorated, as she experienced more and more anxiety about her work, and as she slipped in and out of deep depression. With her mom unable to bring home as much income as before, Prasanna's father forced her to quit school and enter the sex-trade instead.
She told us that she was afraid of the sex trade and being a sex-worker. She saw her mom live through years of abuse, the way that men treated her, and the effects this had on her physical and mental health. Prasanna told us that she wanted something different for her life.
Prasanna eventually ran away from home and, with the help of a community worker, was able to find safe housing and medical care with one of Sudara's local partners. She soon enrolled in the skills-training program and learned how to sew. Her favorite training, though, has been in cosmetology. She recently told us that she has dreams of opening her own salon and is excited about her future after graduation.
By investing in and empowering women like Prasanna, you are helping women create new lives, free from sex-slavery and filled with hope about the future.
Right now, Global Citizen is proud to support and offer Prassana Women's PUNJAMMIES™ by Sudara in our shop here! Named after Prasanna and inspired by brave women making a better life for themselves with training from Sudara and support from shoppers like you making ethical purchases. Plus, these PJs are cozy enough to get you through winter and with their light material, just right for lounging on a nice Spring day.
The views expressed here are not necessarily those of each of the partners of Global Citizen.