“One empowered life can transform a hundred more.”
This belief was at the core of a recent two-day training from August 5 to 6, 2025, hosted by Free the Slaves (FTS) in India. The session focused on Module 1 of the Community Liberation Initiative “Educating and Mobilizing Vulnerable Communities” and aimed to strengthen the knowledge, leadership skills, and capacity of survivor leaders to prevent exploitation in their own communities. The survivor leaders participating in the training were the living proof that change is possible. Once victims of modern slavery, they now stand as champions for others—raising their voices for those still trapped.
Guddi Devi: From Survivor to Leader
Among the participants was Guddi Devi, 26, who was rescued from bonded labor by MSEMVS. Her courage and determination led to the rescue of over 10 other families. Guddi attended the training with her infant in her arms, captivating everyone with her story. “It doesn’t matter if we are illiterate or have never had a voice. We can be the first step toward change by gaining knowledge from trainings like these,” says Guddi, now an active member of the survivors’ collective, Azad Shakti Abhiyan.
Like Guddi, every participant had a story of resilience—of how they have empowered their communities to resist and fight against modern slavery.
Understanding and Preventing Modern Slavery
The training covered the definition and history of modern slavery, Vulnerabilities, Human rights and gender, Indicators of modern slavery. In many cases, victims don’t even realize they are being enslaved. Some believe their caste or community determines they must serve others; others feel they have no choice but to accept exploitative work just to survive. Lack of awareness about basic human rights remains one of the most critical factors enabling modern slavery. The Community Liberation Initiative equips communities, local committees, and grassroots organizations with the knowledge and tools to resist exploitation. A pre- and post-training evaluation showed that 87% of participants increased their understanding of how to prevent modern slavery.
Stories of Transformation
Bacchey Lal
A long-time participant in FTS programs, Bacchey Lal has seen firsthand how training can help labourers protect themselves from exploitation, stand against wage theft, and claim their rights. Now, he and fellow ASA members hold monthly community meetings to share what they’ve learned.
“Before being a part of Azad Shakti Abhiyan and attending these kinds of training, none of us were aware of our own rights. We are able to help other victims because organisations like FTS and MSEMVS are equipping us with knowledge and awareness of our own rights. Whenever I go back from trainings like this, I share the learning with the people in my community and make sure that nobody falls prey to the tricks of the slaveholders”, he shares.
Ajeet & Mannu
This young duo, aged 23 and 25, were rescued from forced labour in a factory far from home. During the training’s “Human Rights and Gender” session, they realized just how badly their labour rights had been violated.
“I wish we had known these rights before we left home. We could have saved ourselves and others from months of abuse,” says Ajeet.
Looking Ahead
FTS will reconvene these survivor leaders in the coming months to deliver Modules 2 and 4 of the Community Liberation Initiative, which focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and service delivery for survivors of modern slavery. Each training builds on the last, ensuring that these leaders continue to grow in confidence, knowledge, and impact—proving that when communities stand together, they can dismantle systems of exploitation.
