What is Yoga Stops Traffick?
Yoga Stops Traffick is an annual, global yoga campaign to raise awareness of and funds for survivors of human trafficking in South India. The funds raised support our Indian grassroots partner, Odanadi, to rescue and rehabilitate survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, slavery, domestic abuse and child marriage.
Our story
Yoga Stops Traffick was set up in 2010 by a group of volunteers who wanted to do something to help. On March 12th 2011 our 2nd annual event, was led by a group of young Odanadi residents from the entrance gates of the iconic Mysore Palace, many of whom are survivors of slavery, domestic abuse and forced prostitution. Through the common language of yoga, 3,000 people around the world united in support of Odanadi’s work and rolled out their mats in homes, beaches and mountaintops on the same day. From the home of Ashtanga in Mysore, a worldwide event was born.
To date, Yoga Stops Traffick has raised over £250,000 and helped rescue and rehabilitate thousands of women and children affected by human trafficking, domestic abuse and child marriage.
Ashtanga Yoga is of huge significance to the young people of Odanadi. As part of their rehabilitation program, it has allowed them to reclaim their bodies; build physical and mental strength, and restore a sense of peace, confidence and self-worth.
By standing alongside them, you will be demonstrating your solidarity and support, as well as sending a message of defiance against a world which allows these horrific abuses to take place.
Now is your chance to make a difference! Join the yoga movement against human trafficking:
Host a YST event!
Host a sun salutation challenge or charity fundraiser class at your yoga studio or gather your friends for yoga session in your local park or garden! Sign up your event here or get in touch to discuss your fundraising ideas. We can help you with event ideas, marketing materials and getting the word out!
Donate to YST
Become a regular donor to YST and help transform the lives of women and children affected by human trafficking in India. As little as £5 a month can make the world of difference to a young survivor of human trafficking, helping to provide safe shelter, food & clothing, therapeutic support and the chance of a brighter future.
Join a YST event!
Take part in a YST event near you or online! From online yoga classes, workshops, retreats and more, take part in a YST event and help raise vital funds to support survivors of human trafficking. Follow YST on Facebook & Instagram for the latest news & events or click here to search for an event taking place near you.
Our Indian grassroots partner, Odanadi
Odanadi currently runs two residential rehabilitation and reintegration centres in Mysore, housing up to 100 women and young people at any one time. Every resident has a different story to tell: many have been rescued from the hands of brothel owners and sex traffickers, others from abusive homes, child marriages or domestic and commercial servitude. At Odanadi residents are provided with the skills they need to heal, empower, educate and eventually reintegrate themselves back into mainstream society. Odanadi’s unique psycho-social therapy programme has become accepted as best practice both within India and internationally. Odanadi’s method is carefully tailored according to each individual’s needs and can entail a wide range of activities, from psychological counselling to art therapy, drama, karate, yoga and acupuncture. Research shows that almost a quarter of trafficking victims are re-trafficked, which is why it is so important for residents to be well prepared for life outside the walls of Odanadi. Odanadi’s aim is to reunite trafficking victims with their families and to give them the necessary tools to face mainstream society as strong, confident, empowered individuals.
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Watch the short video below to learn more about the work of our Indian grassroots partner, Odanadi.
Join the movement against human trafficking, anyone can take part and every body on every mat counts!