(Image source from: The American Bazaar)
Women's rights advocate Priti Dewan hosted an event in Manhattan earlier this week to raise awareness about victims of sex trafficking in India and funds to support their rehabilitation.
Over 40 guests, among them, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists attended the event at the Sky Lounge at Halcyon Residence.
The assemblage discussed the necessity to bring forward awareness to the uninterrupted cycle of sexual assault in India and set up methods for victims to reinstate.
Prajwala, an Indian non-governmental organization based in Hyderabad, campaigns for eliminating forced prostitution and sex trafficking.
The social group works in the fields of rescue, prevention, rehabilitation, reintegration, and advocacy to fight sex trafficking and restore self-esteem to victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
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"We need to address the demand side of sex trafficking in order to have a serious impact in its abolition," said Dewan, who hosted the Manhattan event. "On a more complex level, we need to do a better job of spotting signs and must change our attitude and dialogues we engage in. Best said by 18th-century slave abolitionist, William Wilberforce, 'You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know.'"
Prajwala Board Member, Venkatesh Raghavendra spoke about the work of the organization. "You being here to support this cause is greater than you can imagine," he said. "Your dollar is helping women who spent the majority of their lives as victims of abuse, rebuild and restore, establishing a brighter future for them and future generations."
Invitees were treated to catering provided by Desi Galli, and live music by Neel Nadkarni, an Indian American singer.
Prajwala was founded in 1996 by Dr. Sunitha Krishnan and Jose Vetticatil over two decades ago.
By Sowmya Sangam
