Modern Slavery is a major issue that affects people in every country around the world. It is estimated that 40 million people are trapped in some form of modern slavery. Two thirds of these people are in the Asia-Pacific region and many of them are women and children.

Opportunity International Australia supports programs in India and Indonesia to help free women and children from modern slavery through our microfinance, education, health and women’s safety programs. 

By providing an alternative to the ‘loan shark’ which risks debt bondage, the microloan at reasonable commercial rates, provides safe access to capital, giving financial freedom to women to start their own businesses.

Women come together in India to learn about their rights and resources for protection against violence and trafficking.

Opportunity partners with the My Choices Foundation in India to help prevent sex trafficking and domestic violence. My Choices’ trafficking prevention education program specifically targets trafficking and prevents sexual servitude or forced child marriages. 

My Choices' domestic violence education program provides understanding of what domestic violence is, allowing a younger generation to determine if their relationships are controlling, which could lead to certain forms of slavery such as forced marriage.

Its domestic violence counselling and victim support network allows for women, sometimes in a form of servitude, to be supported to either address or escape the situation.

“Opportunity is committed to helping free people from modern slavery,” said Annie Wang, Asia Health Director. “By partnering with organisations such as My Choices, Opportunity is able to provide assistance to help women and children escape dangerous situations.” 

Learn more about our women's safety programs in India

This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).