Raniya

Raniya was just 15 when she was forced into prostitution

Raniya was a daughter born into the  Banchhada community that lived in a village in Madhya Pradesh.  Everyone in her community was involved in prostitution, even children and minors were not spared but had to join the family occupation. She did not have to go anywhere to see this evil life or face it. It was right there at her doorstep.

When Raniya was 15 years old her parents started offering her to men at Rs 300. She had to attend to 4-5 customers everyday.  Her parents spent the money on household necessities. 

On 17th October 2023  the police and our team rescued her from Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh.

Post her rescue she was taken to the Mahila Thana( ladies police station) to record her statement.  She stated that she had gotten into the trade by herself and that no one had forced her. We could clearly make out that this child had been trained to say this in order to protect her parents from the perpetrators.  She was placed at a one-stop center after her statements were recorded and the First Information Report(FIR)  was filed. 

Raniya had shared that she had studied till class 8th and was pulled out of school after that. We visited her school, collected her documents and enrolled her in class 9th.  After she was released from the One Stop Centre, her aunt took custody of her. 

Raniya thrived under her aunt. She studied hard and did well in her exams. 

Last year in June 2025 she cleared her 10th standard exams.  Though happy she passed she wished she got a first class instead of a second class.

After completing standard 10th, she wanted to continue her studies.   She enrolled in class 11th and once again started studying hard.

 Raniya is right now in class 11 and faring well. 

A young girl from the Banchhada community choosing to study is a big win that needs to be celebrated as not many children and young girls are allowed their basic right of getting an education.  Wishing this strong and determined survivor success in every endeavor.