Overview

Founded in 1998, Apne Aap Women’s Collective (AAWC) is an anti-trafficking organisation that serves the women and children of Kamathipura, the red light area of Mumbai and one of the largest and oldest red light areas in Asia. We operate three programs: Umeed for women in brothel-based prostitution (ages 18+), Udaan for girls (ages 6-18), and Umang for toddlers (ages 2-5). By providing our members with the tools and resources to create a better quality of life, we seek to empower women who have been trafficked into brothel-based prostitution and to prevent the cycle of intergenerational prostitution among their daughters. As of March 2014, we have served more than 2,800 women and children. Our alumni have earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees and entered respected professions like accounting, beauty, business process outsourcing, dance, hospitality management, luxury cuisine, medical compounding, nursing, photography, retail, social work, and teaching. Note: Apne Aap Women's Collective (AAWC) is not in any way affiliated with Apne Aap Women Worldwide (AAWW).