On the occasion of “World Day against Trafficking in Persons” Contact Base with support from U.S.Consulate Kolkata organised a half day roundtable discussion on “Financial Independence of survivors of TIP” on 31st July at American Center, Kolkata. Experts working in child protection, rehabilitation and rescue of traffic survivors from Sanlaap, Action Aid, Destiny Foundation, Child Welfare Committee, CINI, Women’s Interlink Foundation, Sanjog, GGBK, Caritas and IPSOS shared insights on challenges faced by survivors of trafficking and ICIB (Indian Chamber of International Business) shared how business networks can help in supporting survivors in claiming their financial independence. Aishwarya Mandal and Rakeeb Hossain from the U.S. Consulate Kolkata shared how programmes such as English Language & Education Program and other flagship initiatives of combating human trafficking can help survivors’ in up-skilling and be a part of the mainstream. Experiences and personal challenges were shared by survivor leaders of SHGs. Challenges included lack of recognition of survivors, unacceptance by the community and lack of mentoring opportunities. The meet explored access to ecosystems supporting growth of survivor led businesses and the possibility of having an informed policy input for economic empowerment of all women.

Certain points of concern emerged from the consultation such as the strikingly low literacy level of the survivors, their high vulnerability and low employability factors. There is a need to recognize the survivors and come up with specific survivor focused interventions by the state. Individual attention to survivor led businesses must be focused as often survivor led SHG run businesses become difficult to operate. Common challenges mentioned by some survivors included lack of access to finances, market, mentorship and proper guidance. Business chambers and networks such as ICIB committed to support these businesses and also help them be a part of the business ecosystem. Aligning to this year’s theme of ‘Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind” the program highlighted the need for an informed policy on focused skill building training for survivors, sustained mentorship and handholding.

An overview: https://youtu.be/HNOb-l_9h2k?feature=shared