For over six years, Our Rescue has partnered with Shakti Samuha, a pioneering survivor-led organization established in 1996. Shakti Samuha is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for survivors of human trafficking, including shelter, education, vocational training, and legal aid. In addition, the organization works closely with law enforcement to combat human trafficking in Nepal at its roots. This collaboration embodies a shared vision to restore dignity and freedom to survivors while actively preventing further exploitation.
Shakti Samuha’s origin story is one of remarkable resilience. The organization was co-founded by Charimaya Tamang, who was trafficked to India at the age of 16 and endured nearly two years of abuse and exploitation in a brothel. Upon her rescue and return to Nepal, she faced social stigma but courageously became the first individual to personally file a trafficking case with district police, leading to a landmark conviction of her traffickers in 1997. In 2000, Charimaya co-founded Shakti Samuha with 15 other survivors, transforming her pain into purpose. Today, she continues to advocate for survivor inclusion in anti-trafficking efforts and has received national recognition for her groundbreaking work, awarded the 2011 Hero Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery Award by Hillary Clinton.
Our Rescue has played a critical role in supporting Shakti Samuha’s vital survivor care work and fostering its collaboration with law enforcement. By funding anti-human trafficking initiatives, including capacity building and training for survivor care and investigative work, Our Rescue has helped strengthened Nepal’s local systems of intervention. This partnership has not only enhanced survivor outcomes but also deepened connections with Nepal’s law enforcement and other local stakeholders, who have praised the joint efforts of Our Rescue and Shakti Samuha for their effectiveness and impact.
In April 2023, Our Rescue took another significant step by providing essential funding for the construction of a dedicated counseling room and the installation of high-quality CCTV cameras near Nepal’s open border with India. This project was designed to bolster Shakti Samuha’s ability to work with law enforcement to monitor and intercept individuals at risk of being trafficked. The counseling room offers a safe space for survivors to receive emotional support, without feeling endangered, while the cameras enhance border security, making it possible to identify and assist vulnerable individuals in real time. To date, this initiative has led to an impressive 712 interceptions at the border, marking a substantial impact in the fight against human trafficking.
The success of this border monitoring project has highlighted an urgent need: expanded shelter capacity for the growing number of at-risk individuals and survivors identified through these efforts. With the increased rate of interceptions, the current facilities are becoming insufficient to meet the demand for safe, secure housing and wholistic care.
This is where your support can make a transformative difference. Our Rescue aims to purchase and renovate a new shelter home, which will more than double the current survivor care capacity. This new facility will accommodate up to 34 survivors at a time, providing them with a safe and private environment where they can begin their journey to healing. The shelter will be fully equipped to meet survivors’ basic needs, including access to food, clothing, and hygiene products. Strategically located near a medical facility and a police station, the shelter will ensure quick access to emergency services when needed.
Beyond meeting immediate needs, the new shelter will also serve as a center for long-term healing and empowerment. It will include:
· In-house counseling
· Emotional support services
· Trained staff who specialize in trauma-informed care
Survivors will benefit from a nurturing environment designed to help them rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
The opportunity to expand shelter capacity is a critical step forward in Our Rescue’s partnership with Shakti Samuha. It’s a chance to directly impact the lives of those at risk, offering them not only a safe space but also the resources and support they need to thrive.
This incredible project supports both prevention efforts and survivor care work. Together, we can help turn the tide against human trafficking and give survivors the future they deserve.
Donate today to directly fund this new shelter home and help give survivors hope. Your contribution will provide a life-changing refuge for those who need it most. Together, we can continue to fight for safety and dignity for every individual.