A trafficking survivor’s success awarded nationally

Sonali*, a 13-year-old student of seventh grade, found herself captive and waiting to be sold through pimp for sex slavery abroad. Thankfully, this is is not the end but instead the beginning of a promising story of a smart girl, who recently received an award from the government for her success in overcoming personal trauma and social stigma.

In January 2014, on her regular way to school, Sonali* unexpectedly ran into her paternal aunt who convinced her to visit a new nice place to enjoy and see new things. Sonali* accepted her aunt's offer without much thought. She never expected her aunt to set a trap for her that would destroy her life.

Photo: Sonali* is holding the crest (‘Joyeeta Award’) which is given by Bangladesh Government as she has created positive social and sustainable changes in her life from the wretched situation

Thanks to World Vision's ‘Child Safety Net project (CSN)’ which had been working in that area to reduce children’s vulnerability to trafficking, abuse and exploitation, the information about her disappearance was immediately was reported.  World Vision Bangladesh communicated with the local Police station and Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Lohagora (Sub-district of Narail District) and journalists had been asked to publish a missing report. WVB staff also met with Sonali’s* family and assisted them to file a GD (general diary) in near police station. 

With the help of ‘Child Safety Net’ project, local leaders and law enforcement as well as tremendous pressure from her relatives. After nine days, the traffickers sent her back. 

Upon her return, Sonali* it was clear that the young girl was traumatised.  World Vision Bangladesh provided support and counselling For Sonali and her family. Later, the project communicated with her school and convinced them to allow her to continue her studies and also provided her the supplies she needed to study (uniform, books, etc...). As she is from a vulnerable family, World Vision also provided her family a Heifer, which will enable her parents to increase their income and save some money for her future education and development.

Since returning to her normal life, Sonali is now continuing her education in ninth grade and performing well in her education. Last year she took the Junior School Certificate examination and secured a very good (A) grade.

She has become an example to other survivors. Recently the government of Bangladesh awarded her as the Best Joyeeta in Khulna Division, District & Sub-district, a national level recognition for extraordinary girls/women who overcome all adverse situations of their lives.  

“World Vision has changed my life," she says. "[They] showed a right path [and] paved the way for [the] future.”

Sonali hopes her achievement brings hope to the similar survivors in Southern Bangladesh. .

*Name changed to protect identity. 

Story and Photo by : Subrata Sarker Chandan