Gangi, aged 17, was trafficked from a small town in central-eastern India in 2023 and rescued by local partners of Christian Solidarity International (CSI) in 2024. Following her rescue, CSI’s partners remained in regular contact with Gangi, meeting with her periodically and providing counseling and emotional support throughout her recovery.
In 2023, a quarrel with her parents was to prove life-changing for Gangi. The following day, a woman from a neighbouring village was able to persuade the then 14-year-old she was not valued at home and should go with her. The woman promised Gangi she would find a job for the teenage girl.
Traumatised by her experiences
On discovering Gangi was missing, her distraught mother alerted CSI’s partner. Working with the local police, they were eventually able to trace her location to Delhi, where Gangi had spent six months in unpaid domestic service, working long hours, isolated and mistreated,
When a CSI staff member first met Gangi in 2024, soon after she was freed and reunited with her family, the teenager appeared highly traumatised and afraid. CSI’s partner provided counseling and ongoing support that included meeting up with her on a regular basis to check on her progress.
Seamstress training
The following year, the CSI staffer met Gangi again and was amazed at the transformation. She had increased in confidence, had been admitted to her final year of school, and was receiving regular care and support from a social worker connected to CSI’s project partner.
After finishing her final year of school, Gangi began training as a seamstress in 2026. The training is provided by CSI’s partner in a sewing center for women that it manages.
Upon completing the course, Gangi will be supported by our partner in using her newly acquired skills to build a secure livelihood.
After-care and rehabilitation
Girls and boys from poor families in rural India are particularly vulnerable to the scourge of human trafficking. Last year, Christian Solidarity International helped rescue 100 children and adolescents – 62 girls and 38 boys aged seven to 17 – from the clutches of human traffickers.
For girls who are unable to return to their families after their release – for example, where family members were involved in the trafficking – or who cannot find a place in state-run facilities, CSI operates its own rehabilitation center.
At the end of 2025, the center was caring for 25 girls. CSI further covers the accommodation costs for an additional 21 girls placed in two other centers.
For every rescue, our partner works with the responsible authorities to ensure appropriate follow-up support and long-term solutions for trafficking survivors. Like Gangi, they can expect to benefit from training that will open up prospects for their future.
More information on CSI’s work in India
