Nari-Nusrat: A Beacon of Empowerment Through Project EASE

On May 28, 2025, Empower People, with the support of the L'Oréal Fund for Women, organized a transformative workshop in Bilasipara, Dhubri, under Project EASE (Education-Assistance-Social Empowerment-Employment). This initiative united 50 survivor leaders—women who have overcome human trafficking, forced marriage, child marriage, and labor exploitation—to form a Community-Based Organization (CBO) named Nari-Nusrat, meaning "Women's Victory." This powerful name reflects the collective strength and triumph of these women as they work to support and uplift each other.

Project EASE: Transforming Lives in Assam

Project EASE addresses the critical needs of trafficking survivors in Assam’s Dhubri district, a region vulnerable to frequent flooding that displaces residents and disrupts access to education and livelihoods. These conditions heighten the risk of trafficking, particularly for women and girls. Supported by the L'Oréal Fund for Women, Project EASE provides comprehensive rehabilitation through counseling, legal aid, vocational training, and economic empowerment. It also focuses on prevention by engaging at-risk communities, especially girls, in education and skill-building programs. The survivors’ collective, now formalized as Nari-Nusrat, fosters solidarity and social reintegration while combating stigma and re-trafficking.

Building Bonds and Leadership

The workshop began with the “Smile Ball” game, an ice-breaking activity where each of the 50 participants introduced themselves and passed a ball to another, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. This exercise encouraged open communication and set the foundation for collaboration.

Participants were then divided into groups of 10, tasked with drawing on chart paper to express their personal experiences and emotions. After 10 minutes, a representative from each group shared their artwork, revealing stories of resilience and hope. This creative activity strengthened their sense of community and individuality.

A key focus was leadership development. Seven group leaders were chosen and asked to articulate their vision for supporting their peers. To highlight the importance of teamwork, these leaders participated in a symbolic activity where they were tied together with a band and tasked with helping another survivor. Their successful completion of the task underscored the power of collective leadership, a cornerstone of Nari-Nusrat’s mission.

Stories of Resilience

The workshop showcased the transformative impact of Project EASE through the stories of its participants. A 21-year-old survivor, trafficked to Gujarat under the guise of a tailoring job, escaped forced labor and is now pursuing vocational training while her legal case progresses. An 18-year-old survivor of forced marriage, exploited for household and field labor, was repatriated to her family and enrolled in tailoring classes. A 20-year-old child marriage survivor, had her marriage annulled and is now back in school, supported by counseling and educational assistance. These women, among others, have benefited from Project EASE’s holistic support, including legal aid, psychosocial counseling, vocational training, and safe housing.

The Birth of Nari-Nusrat

The formation of Nari-Nusrat marks a significant milestone in the fight against exploitation. The CBO empowers these 50 survivor leaders to advocate for themselves and others, creating a sustainable network of support. At the workshop’s close, participants shared heartfelt reflections, with many noting it was the first time they felt respected and valued. Some, who once couldn’t write their names, expressed newfound confidence and purpose. A group photo captured the spirit of unity and hope that defines Nari-Nusrat.

A Vision for Lasting Change

Nari-Nusrat, born from Project EASE, represents a powerful step toward sustainable empowerment. By addressing the root causes of trafficking—poverty, lack of education, and social stigma—the project is transforming lives in Dhubri. With the continued support of the L'Oréal Fund for Women, Nari-Nusrat’s survivor leaders are not just rebuilding their lives but paving the way for others to do the same.

Together, we can celebrate and amplify the victories of these remarkable women.

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