About

The Problem

The global, illegal trade in people is worth an estimated $247bn per annum, second only to the international drugs trade and is more profitable than Nike, Intel, Google, Microsoft and Starbucks combined. Across India, thousands of young women and girls are trafficked each year into sexual exploitation and forced labour, driven by poverty, gender inequality and limited education. Many come from rural or marginalised communities; where economic pressure and social norms restrict opportunity, making deceptive recruitment and coercion easier.

The impact on the women is immense, leading to physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, emotional distress and eating disorders.

Our Purpose

Kindled Spirit exists to support vulnerable young women in India to break free from cycles of human trafficking, abuse and exploitation and to build independent, dignified, sustainable lives.

We achieve this by funding and strengthening proven programmes that combine trauma-informed care with education and vocational training, delivered by our long-term trusted partner Kshamata, based in Mumbai, who is working directly with those most at risk.

What We Do

We support initiatives that provide young women with:

• Safe, structured rehabilitation, restoring confidence, wellbeing and self-worth

• Practical education and employable skills, matched to individual strengths

• Clear pathways to sustainable livelihoods, reducing the risk of re-exploitation

Our focus is on outcomes that endure; not short-term relief, but long-term independence.

How We Work

Kindled Spirit operates through our carefully selected 12-year partnership in Mumbai. This approach ensures that charitable funds are used effectively, proportionately and in line with our charitable objects.

We are committed to:

• Demonstrating clear benefit

• Applying robust governance and financial oversight

• Monitoring impact and learning from evidence

• Acting with integrity and transparency

We do not seek scale for its own sake. We prioritise depth, effectiveness and responsible management of resources.

Why It Matters

Without education, skills and support, many young women face repeated exposure to exploitation simply to survive. By enabling access to opportunity and self-reliance, we help reduce vulnerability at its source.