Survivors of human trafficking in India face numerous challenges, including sensational media portrayals, an unresponsive criminal justice system, and a lack of economic opportunities. Despite these obstacles, survivor-led advocacy and empowerment programs are making strides. Initiatives like the Mahila Mitra program and the Beti Zindabad Bakery are examples of successful efforts to improve legal support and economic empowerment for survivors. However, there is a need for more comprehensive laws, better funding, and scalable models to ensure survivors can achieve financial independence and avoid retrafficking.

Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of the Sulabh Sanitation Movement, has made significant strides in improving sanitation and social equality in India over the past five decades. His development of the two-pit pour flush toilet technology has liberated over 200,000 manual scavengers and improved public health. Sulabh International has installed millions of household and public toilets, reducing open defecation and associated health risks. The organization has also worked on providing clean drinking water and supporting marginalized communities, including widows. Pathak's efforts have been recognized nationally and internationally, aligning with the principles of the United Nations and earning numerous accolades.

Trafficking victims in India are at risk of being exploited again due to the lack of economic prospects. Ensuring a decent income for survivors could be a key factor in preventing retrafficking.

The book analyzes female empowerment and resilience against violence in Nepal's informal entertainment and sex industries, moving beyond traditional debates to focus on micro issues like income, peer organizations, and networks. It employs positive deviancy theory to address empowerment, migration, HIV/AIDS, and violence against women, combining in-depth interviews with women in the industry, academics, activists, and NGO personnel. The work contributes to the study of citizenship and rights from a non-Western perspective, appealing to academics, researchers, and policymakers in human rights, sociology, economics, and development studies.

In rural India, the Disha project, a partnership between the India Development Foundation and UNDP supported by the IKEA Foundation, is redefining women's work by training them for jobs traditionally held by men. Komal Kaushik, a beneficiary of the project, became a logistics supervisor at Jindal Lifestyle Limited's steel factory, challenging gender norms and promoting economic independence for women. The project aims to reach 1 million women across five Indian states by December 2018, with structural changes implemented at JSL to accommodate female workers and ensure their safety.

Women in New Delhi's slums, supported by the charity Nazdeek and the International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination, are using mobile technology to report rights violations and access government benefits. The SMS for Justice program trains women as paralegals to document and report issues, leading to legal actions and improved service delivery. The initiative has empowered women, increased their community standing, and ensured they receive entitlements such as maternal benefits and subsidized rations.

In India, the practice of triple talaq, which allows Muslim men to instantly divorce their wives by stating 'talaq' three times, has left many women like Neha Khan suddenly divorced without warning, process, or proof. The Supreme Court of India is reviewing the practice after a rise in cases where women are left without support or alimony. Activists and organizations like the Baharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolon are campaigning for women's rights and challenging the constitutionality of triple talaq, while the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which influences personal law for Sunni Muslims, supports the practice. The Supreme Court's verdict is pending, and the issue has sparked debate over the interpretation of Islamic law and the need for legal protections for Muslim women in India.

Despite being banned in 1988, the devadasi system, which dedicates girls to deities and a life of sex work, persists in parts of India, particularly in Karnataka. Girls, often from the Dalit caste, are 'married' to Hindu gods and expected to have sex with men from higher castes. The practice has led to sexual exploitation, poverty, and health issues such as HIV among devadasis. Organizations like Sampark and MASS work to support these women and their children, aiming to improve their financial independence and access to education.

The article highlights the plight of devadasis in Karnataka, India, who are trapped in a cycle of poverty and sex work due to an age-old practice of dedicating young girls to Hindu deities. Despite a nationwide ban in 1988, the practice continues in secret, leading to severe social and economic hardships for these women. Organizations like Sampark and MASS are working to help devadasis become self-sufficient and provide better opportunities for their children. The article underscores the need for societal change and better access to education and healthcare for devadasis and their families.

In Vrindavan, India, a city considered sacred by Hindus and known as a pilgrimage site, over 10,000 widows live in destitution, often begging on the streets. Manju Rai, a widow cast out by her family, found refuge in a government-run shelter in Vrindavan, receiving a small pension and additional support from Sulabh International. Despite some government assistance and shelters, many widows lack access to pensions, healthcare, and live in poor conditions. Activism has historically improved widows' rights in India, but in rural areas, they still face marginalization. The Supreme Court criticized the government's efforts, leading to Sulabh International providing better care. The charity offers stipends, healthcare, and skill training to empower the widows. Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International, has also challenged traditional customs by involving widows in the Holi festival, sparking national debate on their treatment.

Sutirtha Sahariah is a journalist known for his work on serious issues such as human trafficking, gender violence, and development, particularly in the South Asian context. His journalistic career includes contributions to reputable organizations such as the BBC, Dutch public radio, and NPR. He is also active on social media, engaging with his audience on Twitter under the handle @sutiboy. The article does not provide specific details on the content of his reports but highlights the areas of his expertise and his professional background.

Acid attack survivors in India, including Geeta Mohar and her daughter Netu, are finding new hope and dignity through employment at Sheroes Cafe in Agra, run by the NGO Stop Acid Attacks. Despite the Supreme Court's orders to regulate acid sales and provide aid to victims, enforcement remains weak. The Acid Survivors Foundation India reported a significant increase in acid attacks, with cultural and social issues in northern India contributing to the violence against women. Survivors like Ritu Saini face challenges in accessing medical care and justice but find solace in supportive initiatives like Sheroes.

Saritha Vankadarath has become the first woman to drive a bus in Delhi, a city of 17 million people, as part of an initiative to combat sexual harassment on public transport. The campaign follows high-profile cases of assault, including the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman on a bus. Vankadarath's presence is intended to increase safety and respect for women on buses. Despite challenges in recruiting female drivers, Vankadarath's story reflects a broader societal shift in India, with more women working and traveling alone. She hopes to inspire other women to take on traditionally male-dominated jobs and believes in gender equality in all aspects of life.

Thousands of children are being trafficked from India's remote tribal areas to meet the rising demand for domestic child labor in urban districts. The central state of Chhattisgarh, one of India's poorest, has seen over 10,500 children go missing between 2011 and 2013, with many trafficked into domestic servitude. Despite legislative efforts, activists argue that more needs to be done to address the issue, citing factors like poverty, illiteracy, and lack of law enforcement. Personal stories of trafficked children, such as Deepti Minch, highlight the severe impact of this issue. Law enforcement agencies, particularly in rural areas, are often under-resourced and view trafficking as a peripheral issue, exacerbating the problem.

Hungary faces a significant challenge in retaining its healthcare professionals, with many doctors and nurses leaving for better-paying jobs in Western Europe. The Hungarian government has attempted to address this issue with salary bonuses, but the measures have been divisive. In contrast, India, despite its own healthcare challenges, is less affected by the NHS recruitment drive due to its large pool of medical professionals. Indian doctors and nurses are drawn to the UK for better pay and working conditions, but many eventually return to India. The private healthcare sector in India has grown, offering competitive salaries and advanced technology, which helps mitigate the impact of the brain drain.

Aarti and Pooja Kumar, two sisters from a village in northern India, became national celebrities after fighting off three men who harassed them on a bus. The incident, captured on mobile phone footage, sparked widespread admiration for their bravery but also led to fears of reprisals. Despite legal actions against the accused men, the sisters face societal backlash and pressure to withdraw their complaint. The case underscores ongoing issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in India, despite recent legal reforms. The state government of Haryana initially praised the sisters but later stalled their awards amid emerging controversies and conflicting testimonies.

Manual scavengers in India, primarily Dalits, face severe social discrimination despite a 1993 law prohibiting the practice. Uganta Umarwal, a Dalit woman, endured a life of hardship and social stigma until she was offered a chance to learn new skills at Sulabh Sanitation's vocational center. The NGO, led by sociologist Bindeshwar Pathak, has rehabilitated nearly 200 women, providing them with alternative livelihoods and restoring their dignity. Umarwal's life has transformed, earning a better income and gaining respect in society, highlighting the importance of skill development in overcoming socio-economic barriers.

Uganta Umarwal, a Dalit woman in India, endured severe social discrimination for two decades while working as a manual scavenger. An NGO's intervention enabled her to acquire new skills and significantly improve her life, reflecting broader efforts to uplift India's 'untouchables' and address caste-based social issues.