Given the backdrop of India’s conservative societal values regarding women - especially in an area like the commercial sex industry, it was refreshing to see the beneficiaries being treated as equals, in a non-judgmental way.

Many times I was surprised and disheartened during my stay in Mumbai, by the general society’s disregard and distrust of the women working in the sex-industry. Likely fuelled by a lack of understanding of the issues, it was as if people blamed these women for working in such an industry, despite the fact that the vast majority entered forcibly, against their will. This made something as seemingly basic as the relationship between the outreach workers and beneficiaries seem progressively more valuable to me, the more I understood how marginalized these women were. To see the beneficiaries smile and laugh, given a voice. Lifted for a few moments from what appeared from the outside at least, to be a desperate existence fighting not only the difficulties of the harsh living conditions & work-life, but also society’s constant judgment and discrimination.

The resilience of children when provided with a safe environment in which to thrive also struck me initially, and continued to impress me. The temptation for pity on seeing the children’s homes, their living conditions, learning their stories, was contrasted against bright, eager faces. In general the children appeared curious and confident. And there seemed to be an amazing ability, with support from AAWC, to create a future from something that initially appeared extremely bleak. This is not to paint a rosy glow however, as the lives of these children remain far more precarious than any child should have to deal with, and I continue to fear for the few girls who may inevitably slip through the cracks.

The vastness of the health issues – in particular related to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections also overwhelmed me during my stay. Coming from a health background, I sometimes worried that opportunities were not always taken to promote health, or encourage less-risky behavior - perhaps in an attempt to remain culturally sensitive and non-judgmental. I imagine this will continue to be a difficult balance to maintain, and am quite aware that not alienating the women is vitally important for maintaining a beneficial and trusting relationship. Ongoing education of AAWC staff to enable easier health discussions with women and children may be one way to try to get around this. Educating the women – either through one-on-one conversations or during the social gatherings, could hopefully lead to a better ability to make health decisions for both themselves and their children. And by educating the children, hopefully some benefit may filter back up to the mothers, and across to other children.

The impression that I gained was a slowly, slowly one. Gaining trust and gathering members is obviously a slow and intensive process. Especially when taking into account the limited staff and resources stretched over the many different things that AAWC is working so hard to achieve.

Overall my experience at AAWC was an extremely rewarding one. I felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the problems on many occasions, but always felt well supported, cared for and safe. And the many moments of joy – both large and small balanced the intensity of each day. Now having some insight into the environment that they come from, I don’t think seeing those children given the opportunity to laugh in such a carefree manner would ever lose its magic. I only hope that I have been able to give something small back in return.