Women And Their Children In Red Light Areas Need Your Help To Survive

Despite the struggles of her own community, Mansi Lakshmi - a transgender activist has reached out to hundreds of s*x workers who were struggling amid the current pandemic outbreak. Even though the lockdown was lifted, many of them are still struggling to feed themselves. 

Mansi Lakshmi is the president of  Aarju Foundation, a community based organization in Mumbai that works with the issues that the Transgender community face. 

“We, kinners, can request others to help us with food. People show us a little kindness sometimes, but it’s not like that for the s*x workers”, 

said Mansi.

These women do not have the privilege to stock up their cupboards with food. They are at the receiving end of a lot of harassment and hate. Coming from very poor families and with no formal education, they have had to find a way to make a living. A lot of them were also forced into this line of work, they have had no choice. 

The transgender community knows what is feels like to be marginalized, to be mocked, ridiculed and even feared. This is the reason why Mansi and her organization now stands in solidarity with them.  

Women here have been unable to put food on the table for the past few weeks, many of them are young mothers. It’s not a situation any mother wants to be in. Many of them dream of a better life for their children. This crisis may sadly push them further into poverty. 

They need your help to survive this crisis. A grocery kit can help them eat proper meals for at least two weeks.  We urge you to come forward, and contribute as much as you can to help them survive. We need to help whoever we can during this tough time, even the ones who live on the margins. They’re also humans with a beating heart.

About Aarju Foundation - Aarju Foundation (AF) is a non-profit organization registered under the charity commissionerate of Mumbai. Founded in the year 2005, it is the result of the dedication and endless efforts of a group of social workers and community activists. They aim at improving the socio-economic conditions of the most disadvantaged population, namely the s*xual minorities, marginalized women, children, and the unemployed youth in both the rural and urban areas of Maharashtra.

Where it is located? Gala no. 4, old bawan chawl, near Voltas company back gate, T. B Kadam marg, kalcuaki, Mumbai 400033

Note: Donations made towards this fundraiser in INR on and after 29th September 2020 are eligible for Indian Tax Exemption.