Odanadi - United against human trafficking
Odanadi is an NGO for human trafficking based in Mysore, South India that was founded 26 years ago by freedom fighters Stanly & Parashuram. The founders adopted a holistic approach to combat sexual violence against women and children through prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, awareness and training programs.
Odanadi means a soulmate, someone who walks with you, hand in hand, through life. As you walk through the gates at Odanadi, which is located on the top of a dusty hill, a short drive from the city, you get a sense of sanctuary and peace; which was the vision that founders Stanley and Parashuram had many years before.
During my time at Odanadi, I organised and collaborated with local student artists to re-decorate the residence for women and girls. The aim of the collaborative project was to get the women living at Odanadi involved in decorating the children's rooms and hallways, alongside local artist students who were able to pass on some of their skills. The outcome of the collaboration was far greater than initially anticipated, as the act of painting and socialising empowered the women and was later published in the local newspaper raising awareness about the organsisation and cause.
