Leading Through Adversity in West Bengal 

In the border region of Basirhat, India, where hardship and vulnerability run deep, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Amidst economic uncertainty and social stigma, a leadership and empowerment program is transforming survivors of trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence into courageous leaders. These are women rising above their pasts to protect and support others in similar situations. 

In many communities across India, survivors of abuse face isolation and shame, trapped by cultural norms that silence them. But the Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre program breaks those chains. It offers survivors healing, a chance to reclaim their dignity, build resilience, and grow into powerful advocates. 

Through counselling, mental health support, and legal aid, survivors find safe spaces to share their stories and realise they are not alone. Supported over a period of three years, these women develop leadership skills and become peer mentors, guiding others through trauma toward recovery. 

Many participants train as nursing assistants and healthcare workers. These new roles allow them to support fellow survivors, provide compassionate care, and earn a steady income, turning their personal struggles into sources of strength and opportunity. Others cultivate organic produce or learn tailoring, while some return to school, opening new doors for themselves and their families. 

The program also trains survivors to lead awareness campaigns in schools and communities, breaking the silence and reducing abuse. Partnerships with local authorities have helped rescue victims and offer timely support, showing that empowered survivors are a vital force for change. 

One participant shared, “Before joining the group, I thought it only happened to me. Now we fight back together as a team.” 

What began as a small initiative in a remote border region has grown into a powerful model of survivor-led transformation. By centring healing, skill-building, and leadership, the program helps women reclaim their lives while reshaping their communities. Survivors are showing that with proper support, trauma can lead to leadership, and resilience can become a collective movement for justice.

Against All Odds

At just 14, Prisha* left home to marry, hoping for a better life, only to endure years of abuse from her husband and his family. When financial pressures mounted, she was lured with the promise of work in Mumbai but was trafficked and severely exploited. With the help of her brother, she managed to escape and return home. 

Initially, her family, burdened by shame, refused to let her join the Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre’s program. Persistent outreach from staff and fellow survivors eventually won their trust. Through the program, Prisha received training in organic farming, enabling her to contribute to her family’s income, reduce household costs, and sell surplus produce. Today, she is one of the group’s most active leaders, raising awareness about domestic abuse and trafficking, guiding peers, and identifying women at risk.

Return to Hope 

At 16, schoolgirl Anitha* faced a heartbreaking ordeal after running away with a boy she met online, only to be locked up and abused. Rescued by police with the help of the Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre, she returned home deeply traumatised, withdrawn, and unable to continue school. 

With the guidance of staff and support from fellow survivors, Anitha gradually rebuilt her confidence and sense of self, receiving counselling, legal aid, and encouragement to resume her studies. 

Today, Anitha is back in school, an active leader of the program that helped her reclaim her life, and a strong voice against trafficking and online exploitation. She speaks in schools and communities about the dangers of social media grooming, helping other girls recognise and resist manipulation. 

Fighting for Freedom 

Munna* grew up in a remote village near the India–Bangladesh border, where poverty was constant and girls were often pressured into early marriage. Despite threats from a boy who tried to intimidate her into marrying him, Munna refused to surrender her dreams. After a terrifying attempt to kidnap her, she found refuge and support through the leadership and empowerment program. 

With regular counselling, legal support, and emotional care, Munna rebuilt her confidence. She completed a certified nursing assistant course and now works in a nearby hospital. Today, Munna not only earns a steady income but also provides compassionate care to others, proving that safety and dignity are possible, even after deep trauma. 

* All names changed for privacy.

Rajmuni, the Barefoot Lawyer

The Darjeeling tea states were first planted by the British in the 1800s and continue to operate in the same feudal manner over 150 years later. The estates operate as economic production units and social institutions, controlling all aspects of the lives of those who live and work there. Employees are often deprived of their fundamental rights and entitlements and unaware of the available statutory and legal remedies.

Darjeeling Mary Ward Social Centre’s Legal Aid initiative, funded by Mary Ward International Australia since 2023, works to address this power imbalance. It provides vulnerable tea plantation workers access to a network of legal advisors known as ‘barefoot lawyers’.

Rajmuni’s dedication to justice and her deep commitment to improving the lives of those living in the tea plantations of Darjeeling inspired her to join the MWIA-funded Legal Aid program as a ‘barefoot lawyer’.

Living on a tea plantation herself, Rajmuni witnessed firsthand the unjust working conditions experienced by her friends and neighbours, including poor pay, denial of benefits, and in some cases, forced labour. Many of these issues have broader social implications, such as increased vulnerability to family violence, sexual abuse and human trafficking, all of which disproportionately impact women.

The living conditions of tea workers also present significant challenges, with many residing in substandard housing located within the estates where they are employed. These houses typically lack proper sanitation and access to clean water. Exposure to chemicals used on tea plantations poses further health risks to the workers, and poor medical facilities exacerbate these problems. There is little scope for quality education for children; in many cases, they work in the plantations instead of attending school.

What Is a Barefoot Lawyer?

While not formally qualified in law, ‘barefoot lawyers’ are frontline workers who have received training to guide and support community members in legal matters, including worker exploitation, family violence, and human trafficking. When a barefoot lawyer cannot resolve an issue, a qualified lawyer is engaged.

Barefoot lawyers are crucial in bridging the gap between the community and government legal services available to them. They assist community members in navigating the legal system effectively by accompanying them to legal clinics or police stations to access legal advice or lodge formal complaints.

As community leaders, barefoot lawyers educate others about fundamental legal principles and practices and equip them with the skills to actively protect their rights and pursue justice for themselves. These efforts contribute to creating a culture of legal knowledge and accountability within the tea plantations.

Barefoot lawyers also play a vital leadership role in effecting greater social change by advocating for legislative reform, upholding human rights principles, and challenging injustice.

How Rajmuni's Life Has Changed

Becoming a barefoot lawyer has profoundly impacted Rajmuni’s sense of self-esteem and purpose in life. As she has immersed herself in this leadership role, Rajmuni’s growing confidence in her abilities has given her a sense of fulfillment from helping others know and defend their rights through the legal system.

Since becoming a barefoot lawyer, Rajmuni has learned much about the legal rights of all people in India, which has helped her handle a wide range of issues. Her experience in the role has also given her deeper insight into the legal, social, and economic challenges those living on tea estates face. This empathy has helped her to advocate more successfully for justice and equality, particularly for women.

Rajmuni has developed strong conflict resolution skills, which have proven effective in addressing many concerns at the local level without the need for escalation to the legal system. This ability to resolve conflict locally has been highly beneficial, as it has led to quicker and more amicable solutions while reducing the burden on formal legal processes.

As a barefoot lawyer, Rajmuni has developed her own extensive rights network. She collaborates with other activists, leaders, community organisers, and legal experts to advocate for change. She continues to develop the strength and perseverance essential to deal with legal problems and has become a role model for her peers and a driving force for positive change.

Future Goals

As a newly established leader in her community, Rajmuni is committed to gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and obstacles facing all people in India. To better address these issues, she is actively pursuing a formal education in legal studies, human rights, and social justice. By combining education with her advocacy and community engagement work, Rajmuni can meaningfully improve the lives of marginalised people in her community and contribute to broader social change in India.