POOJA
Pooja is one of the bravest girls Freedom Firm has rescued. Rescued in 2011 from Nagpur, like many other minor girls found there, she belongs to the Bedia community which is responsible for forcing generations of women into prostitution. These women grow up believing that their identity is linked only to a life of prostitution and abuse. This belief is so ingrained in them that they relinquish any ideas of freedom at a very young age.
Thankfully, Pooja was not one of these girls. Born into poverty and sold because of tradition, Pooja has faced trials and pain that many of us can't even imagine. Yet, even after being sold, Pooja refused to simply resign herself to what seemed to be her fate. She adamantly refused to do what her traffickers were trying to force her to do, only to be severely beaten and starved until she gave in.
Redemption from this ordeal came when she was rescued and placed in a shelter home. Unfortunately, her troubles didn’t end there. Several “parents” tried repeatedly to claim custody of her, but she boldly declared that she had never seen those people before and that they weren't her parents. Of the 35 girls rescued in Nagpur that year, she was the only one who was willing to testify against her perpetrators. Although this caused some backlash from the brothel-community and threats and attacks were made on Pooja, she bravely stood her ground and didn't give in.
Since 2011, she has been receiving informal education and vocational training. She has no intention of ever returning to the red-light area and instead, has been focusing on her studies and her plans to join Ruhamah Designs soon. The change in her is evident - she has become a happy, confident and smart girl, armed with hopes and dreams for her future.
Pooja is one of the bravest girls Freedom Firm has rescued. Rescued in 2011 from Nagpur, like many other minor girls found there, she belongs to the Bedia community which is responsible for forcing generations of women into prostitution. These women grow up believing that their identity is linked only to a life of prostitution and abuse. This belief is so ingrained in them that they relinquish any ideas of freedom at a very young age.
Thankfully, Pooja was not one of these girls. Born into poverty and sold because of tradition, Pooja has faced trials and pain that many of us can't even imagine. Yet, even after being sold, Pooja refused to simply resign herself to what seemed to be her fate. She adamantly refused to do what her traffickers were trying to force her to do, only to be severely beaten and starved until she gave in.
Redemption from this ordeal came when she was rescued and placed in a shelter home. Unfortunately, her troubles didn’t end there. Several “parents” tried repeatedly to claim custody of her, but she boldly declared that she had never seen those people before and that they weren't her parents. Of the 35 girls rescued in Nagpur that year, she was the only one who was willing to testify against her perpetrators. Although this caused some backlash from the brothel-community and threats and attacks were made on Pooja, she bravely stood her ground and didn't give in.
Since 2011, she has been receiving informal education and vocational training. She has no intention of ever returning to the red-light area and instead, has been focusing on her studies and her plans to join Ruhamah Designs soon. The change in her is evident - she has become a happy, confident and smart girl, armed with hopes and dreams for her future.
