Since 1998, we have been walking alongside women and their daughters from red-light areas of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, providing the support and resources needed to live a dignified future.
The Beginning. In 1998, AAWC began as a single-room drop-in center at Falkland Road. Our founder, Mr. Sudarshan Loyalka, returned to India with a passion for change. He realized that while he couldn’t change the world overnight, he could certainly change a few lives. What started with 10 women has grown into a lifelong commitment to thousands. It is a story of showing up, staying rooted, and walking alongside every woman and girl until they have the power to choose their own future.
AAWC is founded. The Umeed (Hope) program begins, offering medical care and counselling.
The Udaan (Flight) program is launched to give daughters of women in the district access to education and new roles in life.
The Umang program opens, creating a nurturing space for little ones away from the red-light area.
We expand to Kamathipura to support more women and girls.
Our 24/7 safe home opens for girls aged 5 to 18, offering a healthy environment to grow.
A new center opens in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, to meet the needs of women in the area.
Our safe home moves to a larger, safer space in Nerul.
We open a second daycare center in Turbhe to reach even more children.
To provide the tools and resources for empowerment to trafficked brothel-based prostitutes and their daughter in the Red Light Areas, and to prevent the cycle of intergenerational prostitution.
To provide a caring and supportive platform of wholesome services to help women and girls in the Red Light Areas make choices for a dignified and better quality life.
Our original drop-in center and the birthplace of the Umeed program.
A dedicated resource center serving women and their daughters in one of Asia’s oldest red-light district.
A growing hub featuring
two daycare centers to support children in the neighbourhood.
Our safe shelter home, designed for the holistic development of young girls.
Umeed works with adult women to support physical wellbeing, mental health, financial independence, education, and skill development so they can exit prostitution permanently and regain control of their lives.
Learn more
Udaan supports young girl and daughters through education, healthcare, safe housing, and personal development so they can grow up with choices beyond their immediate surroundings.
Learn moreDriven by his passion for serving people, he returned to India to make a difference. Despite the challenges of navigating complex socio-political systems, he shifted his focus from “changing the world” to “changing a few lives.”
His journey took a transformative turn when he encountered the dire living conditions of women and children in Kamathipura, Mumbai’s red-light district, and witnessed the exploitation of their human rights. This ignited his determination to take action. He raised initial funds through art exhibits, laying the foundation for the Apne Aap Women’s Collective as an anti-trafficking organization dedicated to empowering marginalized women and children.
34 years in retail marketing and training; dedicated NGO leader.
Logistics expert (DHL Express) and MBA; long-term education volunteer.
Head of Marketing and Business Development at Express Switzerland; committed long-term AAWC volunteer.
Entrepreneur and finance expert with 20+ years in leadership banking.
Former CSR Head; expert in strategic philanthropy and social impact.
Marketing Communications expert with an MBA in Marketing.
Filmmaker and artist; pioneer of our theater program for girls.
Managing Consultant at IBM; specialist in organizational growth.
Want to join Please contact hr@aawc.in.
Leading our vision and organizational strategy
A social work veteran (MSW) leading our grassroots efforts since 2011.
Managing our resources with over 21 years of accounting expertise.
Oversees planning, execution, and delivery of organizational programs.
Manages multiple projects, ensuring alignment with goals, timelines, and budgets.
2025 – Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar Samman, Kamala Power Women
2024 – Indian Social Impact Awards
Rotary Club of Bombay Juhu Beach Awards 2024
Rotary Club of Bombay Juhu Beach Awards 2024
Rotary Club of Bombay Juhu Beach Awards 2024
Rotary Club of Bombay Juhu Beach Awards 2024
