Hope Lives
When Farah arrived in Kolkata—the City of Joy—she carried with her high hopes and dreams of a better life after leaving her home in Bangladesh.
But those dreams were short-lived.
Deceived by a trafficker who promised her a good job, Farah found herself trapped in a brothel in Kolkata instead.
Thankfully, the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit rescued her from Sonagachi, the city’s red-light district, and brought her to Mahima Homes, where she began her journey of healing and restoration.
“I was engulfed with fear, anxiety, and trauma of a horrifying past when I came to Mahima."
The road ahead was not easy. Farah faced countless challenges, but she refused to let them define her. With quiet courage and determination, she began the difficult journey of healing.
“During my stay at Mahima Homes,” Farah shares, “I not only got to revive my life but also received training opportunities to stand on my own feet.”
At Mahima Homes, Farah’s natural talents began to shine. She eagerly took part in vocational training, learning candle and soap making, and even completed a short-term beautician course. Through music and dance therapy, and the support of caring counselors, she slowly rediscovered her confidence and sense of joy.
Farah’s bravery reached its peak when she stood in court and testified against her traffickers—a powerful act of justice and strength. After three and a half years of healing, growth, and hope, the moment she had longed for finally came. Farah was reunited with her family and safely returned home to Bangladesh, ready to begin the next chapter of her life with dignity and freedom.
Farah says, "It was a bittersweet moment when I had to bid goodbye to all the aunties and my friends at Mahima. With a heavy yet excited heart, I returned home with the hope of beginning a new life."
And along she also carried the learning and memories she had gathered at the Mahima Homes.
When asked how Mahima had impacted her, Farah says with a smile, “Mahima has instilled courage in me that enabled me to fight my case. The constant love, guidance and support I got from my peers and staff shaped my life and allowed me to easily rise over the trauma that used to haunt me always. I am happy to return home, but I will treasure the memories I made at Mahima, for life.”
Farah currently works with Justice and Care in Bangladesh as a peer mentor, providing counseling to survivors. Recently, Farah helped rescue a girl from a child marriage and even got married last year. Farah's journey is a remarkable example of bravery, patience, and courage. She is an inspiration to all the girls at Mahima Homes.
“The constant love, guidance and support I got from my peers and staff shaped my life and allowed me to easily rise over the trauma that used to haunt me always.”