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In this episode of Mothers and Daughters Unfiltered, Diane and Natalie speak with Anjali Tamang and Sarah Symons, two women working to fight human trafficking and severe gender violence. Sarah founded Her Future Coalition to fight human trafficking and gender violence. Anjali shares a perspective from the other side of the spectrum—she was trafficked from her home in Nepal to Calcutta, India.
Anjali is the co-author of "Standing in the Way: From Trafficking Survivor to Human Rights Activists." Having survived being trafficked from age twelve, she is working to protect the next generation of girls in her community through education.
Sarah is the Founder and President of Her Future Coalition, an international non-profit organization fighting human trafficking and other severe forms of gender violence in India, Nepal, Cambodia & Thailand. She is Anjali's co-author and is lovingly referred to by her as "mum."
In this episode of Mothers and Daughters Unfiltered, Diane and Natalie speak with Anjali Tamang and Sarah Symons, two women working to fight human trafficking and severe gender violence. Sarah founded Her Future Coalition to fight human trafficking and gender violence. Anjali shares a perspective from the other side of the spectrum—she was trafficked from her home in Nepal to Calcutta, India.
Sadly, trafficking is institutionalized in Nepal and India in ways the Western World has never been exposed to. This conversation is centered around understanding and exposing the systemic issues and root causes of human trafficking. It is a story of resilience and the power of human will, love, and forgiveness. Don’t miss this powerful and eye-opening discussion.
Sarah started the Her Future Coalition 16 years ago after seeing a documentary about human trafficking. They focus on long-term solutions to help girls heal and to take charge of their lives and build their future.
Sarah and Anjali met in a shelter home when Anjali was rescued in 2009. Anjali was just 14-years-old. At the time, Sarah was doing a two-week therapeutic arts workshop at the shelter. The girls she worked with were incredible, creative, resilient, and loving. At the end of Sarah’s visit, Anjali had made her a beautiful card. She shared her story and her dream of reopening a school in the village she grew up in.
After Sarah left, she lost touch with Sarah and the other girls who had been repatriated to Nepal. One day, a different organization was visiting Sarah’s home in Florida and showing her pictures on an iPad—and Sarah saw Anjali. A few months later, Sarah saw Anjali at an airport and they’ve been walking life together ever since.
Human trafficking is a historical and cultural norm in Nepal. In Anjali’s village, the root cause of trafficking is poverty. Families would send their daughters to be prostitutes in India to receive financial support. In their culture, girls are taught to be obedient to their elders and take care of them as part of their duty.
The traffickers use the same tactics to gain control and brainwash the girls. They say things like “If you obey us, you’ll get money. Then we’ll send you back home.” So the girls do not speak against them. When Anjali was trafficked, she knew she was going to do work—but didn’t know what she would be doing.
Another contributing factor to child trafficking is the existence of child marriage in Nepal. These young women feel that their choice is to be married as a child—or to be sent away with traffickers. Girls don’t want to get married and be the mother of 2–3 children by age 18, so they go with the traffickers, not realizing their fate. They simply see it as a way out of marriage. They don’t know who to trust and are completely vulnerable.
Sarah shares how girls who have been trafficked have to reconnect the mind, body, and spirit to heal. Anjali shares her path to healing and ultimately forgiveness. Keep listening to hear each unique perspective on the healing process.
In December 2020, they started construction of the Hasta Memorial School. The school’s purpose will be for more than education. As part of her vision and work, she wants to empower the next generation of girls to be able to speak up and say “no” and not only know their rights—but stand up for them. But she also wants to teach young boys that girls have value.
Anjali wants to change the mindset of the culture. Speaking the truth of what happens will lead to change. The next generation of children need to be raised a different way so they become the voice of change. It will take time and patience—but it will work.
They also intend to plan awareness events and counseling for parents so they understand the impact of trafficking. She wants to provide mothers economic and vocational opportunities and training so they have sustainable alternatives.
It comes down to building awareness and having conversations, which is something Anjali and Sarah’s book has done. It highlights Anjali’s bravery, navigating situations many of us can’t fathom. Anjali wants to put the power back into these young women’s hands.
Sarah assures you that you can help. Wherever you are in your life and in the world, there is a way to be of service and have an impact. You can contribute something. Anjali notes that you can help someone just by sitting with them and listening to their stories.
She emphasizes that you should always help and encourage each other. Everyone faces problems in their lives. But she firmly believes that when we stand with each other, the problems become easier. She declares, “There is no problem without a solution. God always provides a way if we wait for his time.”
When Sarah comes and spends even half an hour with Anjali, it is healing for her soul. You might not need to speak words—you can give of your time. “Your actions will show love and love will bring changes in lives. It gives people the strength to fight the problems they face in life. Believe that God has made you capable to fight the problems that come your way.”
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