“Watching my mother struggle broke my heart. It was then that I promised myself – I would change my life.”

I was not born with a silver spoon, but I refused to let my circumstances define my future.

I am Reena – born into hardships.

A Childhood of Struggles

Growing up in a slum in Mumbai, in a cramped house with six sisters, every day was a battle. My father was an alcoholic who did nothing but drink and beat us. My grandfather, despite his old age, was the only one who worked to put food on our table. Watching him toil endlessly broke me. I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

I took up small jobs like household chores in Bhindi Bazaar and Byculla. The money was little, but it helped ease my grandfather’s burden.

Another Cruel Test

Just when I thought things were getting better, life threw another difficult curve at me. My mother fell seriously ill; both her kidneys were infected, and she had a heart condition. She needed urgent surgery costing ₹3 lakh. It felt like an impossible sum. Desperate for help, my family arranged my marriage, hoping my husband would support us.

But my husband wasn’t my saviour. He sold me to a brothel for ₹30,000. I was trapped in a world of pain and exploitation, with no way out. However, I refused to accept this fate. Within 10 days, I ran away, determined to save my mother.

A Choice No One Has To Make

With no one willing to help, I was left with a choice that crushed me. A friend told me that returning to the brothel was the only way to earn fast money. The thought made me sick. But as I watched my mother’s health worsen, I knew I had no other option. I did what I had to do. When I finally had enough to pay for her surgery, I told myself this was my only option, drowning in shame and pain.

A Ray of Hope

I moved to Turbhe, still focused only on earning. That’s when Kshamata found me through their Outreach Program. At first, I ignored them; I had no time for training or learning skills. But I saw other women joining their programs, gaining confidence, and building new lives. A small voice inside me asked, Why not me?

I decided to give it a chance. I joined their vocational training, and that’s when I discovered my love for sewing. The team at Kshamata saw my potential and encouraged me. Through the Utkarsh Micro Business Program, I not only learned sewing but also how to run a business.

Sewing up a New Future

With their support, I set up my own small tailoring work in Turbhe. I started stitching pouches, bags, and clothing, realising for the first time that I could earn without selling my body.

The journey wasn’t easy. Doubts crept in. The temptation to return to sex work for quick money was always there. But Kshamata stood by me, reminding me that I deserved a future built on dignity and self-respect.

Today, I am not just a survivor, I am an entrepreneur. I still have a long way to go, but for the first time in my life, I feel in control.