Save The Children India

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Shanno, a bright young 18 year old girl from Belgaum in Karnataka, was no different from the rest of the young girls of her age. The abject poverty in the family did not deter her from enjoying small pleasures like playing with friends, and watching television. Since there was no television at her home, Shanno went to the neighboring house of a middle aged woman whom she fondly addressed as 'akka'.

Over a period of time, Shanno got friendly with akka, but her mother did not approve of this friendship and tried to stop Shanno's daily visits to akka's house. However Shanno did not see any reason in discontinuing her friendship.  One day akka convinced Shanno to accompany her to Mumbai for a few days to meet her mother. Shanno had heard of the glamour in Mumbai and saw no reason in rejecting a “free trip” as she thought she would return in a few days. Little did Shanno know what was in store for her.

Akka sold her for Rs.20,000 at Kamathipura, the notorious red-light area in Mumbai. Shanno was forced to extend sexual services to numerous unknown men who visited the brothel. Shanno's ordeal only ended after she was rescued in a police raid. Since then, Shanno has been trying to rebuild her life. Save The Children India through its collaboration with Nalini & Yasmin Beauty Academy is helping Shanno receive training to become a beautician. Shanno is now on her way to building her career as a stylist in Mumbai.