USAID Features Winrock’s Fight Against Human Trafficking in Bangladesh

The USAID Publications’ Exposure story “From Victims to Survivors” highlights Winrock’s fight against human trafficking through the USAID Bangladesh Counter Trafficking-In-Persons Project (BC/TIP).

Told through powerful photos by award-winning photographer Misty Keasler, the story follows the inspiring journey of two victims who become survivors. These empowered and self-reliant advocates found purpose in their hardship — and have dedicated themselves to preventing others from suffering the same fate.

Read the full story and see USAID’s Instagram Series below.

When Aditi Begum of Bahadurpur, Jessore, Bangladesh, was 19 years old, she fell into the hands of sex traffickers. She thought she was getting a factory job in the capital city, Dhaka. More than a million and a half Bangladeshis are thought to be living in modern-day slavery, and trafficking is especially common near the border where Aditi lives. Luckily, Aditi was rescued before being sent to a brothel in India, but the experience changed her forever. USAID’s Bangladesh Counter Trafficking-in-Persons project has given more than 800 trafficking survivors like Aditi a place to heal and start a new life. More than 4,100 migrants have learned about their rights, and almost 4,000 people at risk for trafficking have been given the information they need to avoid Aditi’s fate. Find more photos from this story on Instagram this week. Learn more about USAID’s work to #EndTrafficking in partnership with @Winrock_International at http://wnrck.org/BCTIP. Photos by @MistyKeas #EmpowerWomen #HumanTrafficking #SexTrafficking #EndSlavery #Slavery #Trafficking #USAID #Winrock #WinrockInternational #Bangladesh #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay

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After Aditi Begum was rescued from traffickers, she spent time at a shelter run by a local partner of USAID’s Bangladesh Counter Trafficking-in-Persons (BC/TIP) project, where she received counseling and training. Many trafficking victims are shunned by their families. The project helps victims regain confidence and purpose. Aditi found her purpose in the project-affiliated survivors’ group ANIRBAN, which means “the flame that never dies.” More than 800 trafficking survivors like Aditi have found a place to heal and start a new life through BC/TIP. More than 4,100 migrants have learned about their rights, and almost 4,000 at-risk people have been given the skills and information they need to avoid Aditi’s fate. For more information on this project, visit http://wnrck.org/BCTIP. Photo by @MistyKeas @Winrock_International #EmpowerWomen #EndTrafficking #HumanTrafficking #SexTrafficking #EndSlavery #Slavery #Trafficking #USAID #Winrock #WinrockInternational #Bangladesh #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay

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Aditi Begum left the shelter for trafficking victims with new skills and confidence. She went back to school, got an office job and now leads a 30-person ANIRBAN team. She speaks at schools and community meetings, explaining the basics of safe migration. “I was a victim,” she says. “It is my duty to help others.” USAID’s Bangladesh Counter Trafficking-in-Persons project has given more than 800 trafficking survivors like Aditi a place to heal and start a new life. More than 4,100 migrants have learned about their rights, and almost 4,000 at-risk people have been given the skills and information they need to avoid Aditi’s fate. For more information on this project, visit http://wnrck.org/BCTIP Photo by @MistyKeas @Winrock_International #EmpowerWomen #EndTrafficking #HumanTrafficking #SexTrafficking #EndSlavery #Slavery #Trafficking #USAID #Winrock #WinrockInternational #Bangladesh #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay

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Eight years after she was trafficked, Aditi Begum’s life has come full circle. Others rescued her; now she rescues others — like the young woman lured by the promise of a beautician’s job. She was the same age Aditi was when she was trafficked. “When I think that she’s not going to suffer, that gives me hope for the future.” USAID’s Bangladesh Counter Trafficking-in-Persons project has given more than 800 trafficking survivors like Aditi a place to heal and start a new life. More than 4,100 migrants have learned about their rights, and almost 4,000 at-risk people have been given the skills and information they need to avoid Aditi’s fate. For more information on this project, visit http://wnrck.org/BCTIP Photo by @MistyKeas @Winrock_International #EmpowerWomen #EndTrafficking #HumanTrafficking #SexTrafficking #EndSlavery #Slavery #Trafficking #USAID #Winrock #WinrockInternational #Bangladesh #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay

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