Santa Clara University

Smarita Sengupta, Class of 2010

New Hope for Human Trafficking Survivors

Smarita Sengupta, GWLN 2010 graduate, created a ripple in Kolkata, India when she co-founded Destiny Foundation to reintegrate victims of sex trafficking into mainstream society. Smarita conducts rescue missions with local partners. The women who escape from trafficking live in shelter homes are taught to make high-quality fashion accessories which are sold locally and globally. Destiny Foundation has successfully reintegrated more than 60 young women who are now self-sufficient with safe, dignified and sustainable employment.

Preventing Trafficking with Education in a Rural Village

On the remote islands of Sunderbans, West Bengal, another ripple has recently started with an education center and vocational training program for mothers. Sunderbans is an impoverished area that is afflicted by poor agricultural conditions, leaving the female population vulnerable to trafficking. Destiny Foundation provides training and donates materials needed by women who are beginning to run their own businesses. An after-school project provides tutorials, educational supplies and a daily meal for local children.

"After the GWLN leadership program, I became better at networking which helped me build and strengthen my global network of partners." -- Smarita Sengupta

One Woman. One Ripple. Hundreds Benefit.

Smarita and Destiny Foundation are working tirelessly to give new hope to hundreds of women and children in India. Through economic empowerment, positive social change and equal rights to women can be achieved. Supporting a single woman creates a ripple effect that impacts not only her family and the community, but society-at-large. Learn more about Destiny Foundation.

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