South Kolkata Hamari Muskan
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Mission Statement
South Kolkata Hamari Muskan (SKHM) is a rights-based, abolitionist, and anti-trafficking organization dedicated to protecting women, children, and adolescents from commercial sexual exploitation in Kolkata’s red-light areas, particularly Bowbazar and Sonagachi. Founded in 2009, SKHM empowers vulnerable individuals through education, vocational training, healthcare, nutrition, and psychological support, enabling them to break free from cycles of exploitation and build dignified futures. Our mission is anchored in two core strategies: Gatekeeping and Exit. - Gatekeeping focuses on preventing second-generation prostitution by providing quality education and holistic development programs for children and youth. Initiatives like Pampers (early childhood care for ages 0–6), Nurture (educational and mental health support for ages 6–18), and Breakthrough (career counselling and skill-building for ages 18–25) equip young individuals with the tools to pursue alternative paths. - Exit supports adults, particularly women, in transitioning away from prostitution through livelihood training, mental health services, and community reintegration. Project Dignity (for women aged 18–45) offers skill development (e.g., tailoring, driving), financial literacy, and therapeutic interventions to foster economic independence and emotional resilience. SKHM’s holistic approach extends beyond immediate needs, addressing systemic barriers through advocacy, documentation assistance (Aadhaar, ration cards), and extracurricular activities (karate, arts) to nurture confidence and agency. Since its inception, SKHM has grown from one safe space serving 16 children to seven centers supporting over 400 individuals, with milestones including 20 board exam graduates and 18 pursuing higher education. We believe every individual deserves the right to safety, education, and self-determination. By collaborating with stakeholders, SKHM strives to dismantle the structures of exploitation, champion gender equality, and create sustainable change—one life at a time.
About This Cause
South Kolkata Hamari Muskan (SKHM) is a transformative nonprofit organization established in 2009 to combat commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Kolkata’s red-light districts, primarily Bowbazar and Sonagachi. Rooted in abolitionist and rights-based principles, SKHM empowers marginalized women, children, and adolescents through comprehensive interventions spanning education, vocational training, healthcare, and psychosocial support. Core Strategies & Programs SKHM’s work is structured around two pivotal strategies: 1. Gatekeeping: Preventing Intergenerational Exploitation - Pampers: Early childhood care (ages 0–6) ensures nutrition, health check-ups, and preschool education to break cycles of neglect. - Nurture: For ages 6–18, this program provides academic support, mental health counseling, and extracurricular activities (e.g., karate, drama) to keep children in school and away from exploitation. - Breakthrough: Youth (18–25) receive career guidance, digital literacy, and vocational training (e.g., computer classes) to secure dignified employment. 2. Exit: Pathways to Dignified Livelihoods - Project Dignity: Launched in 2010, this initiative assists women (18+) in exiting prostitution through: - Skill Development: Courses in cooking, jewelry-making, driving, and embroidery. - Mental Health Support: Group counseling, art therapy, and de-addiction programs. - Financial & Legal Empowerment: Assistance with voter IDs, Aadhaar cards, and savings training. - Community Building: Bi-monthly peer-support meetings address gender-based violence and inequality. Impact & Outreach From humble beginnings with 16 children, SKHM now operates 7 centers, serving 400+ individuals annually. Notable achievements include: - Education: 400 children enrolled in formal schooling; 20 have completed board exams, with 18 pursuing higher education (17 in Bachelor’s, 1 in Master’s). - Livelihoods: 20 program graduates are now employed, breaking generational poverty. - Health & Well-being: Regular medical camps, nutrition programs, and counseling sessions address physical and emotional trauma. Community-Centric Approach SKHM’s model emphasizes participatory engagement: - Mothers in Project Dignity co-design program expansions (e.g., adding mental health services in 2014). - Children lead recreational activities (picnics, sports) to rebuild trust and joy. - Advocacy efforts raise awareness about trafficking and gender equity in broader society. Collaboration & Sustainability SKHM aligns with global sustainability goals by: - Partnering with government schools to mainstream at-risk children. - Seeking corporate alliances for skill-building (e.g., Accenture’s digital literacy focus). - Inviting stakeholders to visit centers, fostering transparency and shared learning. Vision for the Future SKHM aims to scale its impact by: - Expanding vocational training centers. - Strengthening mental health infrastructure. - Advocating for policy changes to protect vulnerable populations. Join Us: Through donations, volunteering, or partnerships, you can help SKHM illuminate pathways to freedom, dignity, and hope. Visit www.hamarimuskansouthkolkata.org to learn more.