Four girls rescued from one of the most dangerous occupations in the world.

Meatpacking is known to be one of the most dangerous occupations, even in America. Rigorous work relying on consistent vigilance, this occupation requires factory workers to operate as a continuously moving machine, dissecting animals and packaging them inside a factory full of lethal materials. 

For Lexi*, a 16-year-old girl trapped inside a factory known for labor trafficking, this daily reality was a constant struggle for safety and survival. 

Lexi was born into a family that struggled inside a village subjected to the Hindu caste system. Treated as barely human, those in her village had limited opportunities and had often encountered generational debt bondage and forced labor. 

In October 2020, two female traffickers arrived in Lexi’s village in search of families who were financially devastated by these circumstances. Discovering that Lexi’s father was disabled, the woman convinced her family that sending her to a “good paying” job in a neighboring country was the only way to take care of her. With an initial payment of 5,000 Indian Rupees (approximately 60 US dollars), Lexi’s family reluctantly allowed her to go with the women, hoping that she would be able to earn enough to support their family.

Lexi was taken to the factory, where she worked over 18 hours a day, receiving meager pay and often working without food. She endured these conditions for two years before our team received a tip that enabled us to locate her. Upon arriving at the factory to perform an operational raid, our team found Lexi and three other girls from her village living in conditions unfit for any human being, let alone four young girls.

With forced and child labor prevalent in this society, our team constantly works to combat stories like Lexi’s. 

Our team ensured that each girl received medical exams and support before returning to their home country. We consistently work to provide ongoing support and follow-up for minors in this region.

Unfortunately, due to the local government’s lack of involvement in areas affected by the caste system, the education gap and lack of work opportunities remain major causes of the poor economic conditions in this area. This has created an area suited for exploitation and human trafficking. 

Families remain unable to make ends meet. 

One team member shares, “It is very difficult in this area to convince people from the villages that they need support because of the lack of awareness.” To address this challenge, our team is striving to create income-generating opportunities. By supporting the four survivors of this case, we hope to address poverty, unemployment, and lack of economic opportunities through vocational training and education. Our goal is to provide assistance based on the needs and desires of the survivors in this community.

Lexi’s story reflects the overwhelming prevalence of labor trafficking in marginalized communities. These communities need our prayers and support as they are exploited to produce materials exported across the world. 

Learn more about labor trafficking around the world through the Trafficking in Persons Report.

*Name Changed for the Protection and Respect of the Survivor