Every month, we highlight some of the incredible stories of rescue from our partner border station in Nepal. Meet Durga, a long-time member of the ODI family and an incredible hero to many.

Born into a poor family in western Nepal, Durga was abandoned by her parents after birth. She grew up with her maternal grandmother who loved her dearly. When Durga reached 15 years of age, she was lured by her friends to go to India in search of a better life. She was told about the amazing opportunities that awaited her if she left her village. Without informing her family, Durga decided to leave and run away with her friends.

Upon reaching an Indian city called Butwal, Durga was secretly drugged. She was then sold to a brothel in India where she spent the next seven excruciating years. She recalls being asked to serve 20-25 men per day. If she disagreed, they would torture her by refusing to give her the drugs that they had forced her to take in order to create an addiction.

One day, on the way to a hotel, Durga gathered up the courage to run away. She was rescued by the team in India. After spending several months in the Safe Home where Durga received intense counseling and rehabilitation for her drug addiction, Durga found her passion.

“I know that I want to give my life to helping my fellow sisters escape the horror of human trafficking. I never want anyone else to experience what I experienced.”

Durga excelled as a student in the Social Leadership Development Training Program and, after graduation, joined the team at the Birgunj border station as a border counselor. She has worked there for four years and personally rescued over 100 victims of trafficking. Durga is now married and has a beautiful daughter. She continues to stay committed to her passion and is determined that sharing her story of redemption will give hope to hundreds more like her.

By traveling with us you help rescue girls from human trafficking just like Durga. Check out our tours to see how you can travel with us and help contribute to ongoing rescuing efforts.