Living on the streets, eight-year-old orphan Nway was an easy target for traffickers.
Alone and with no one to protect her, Nway was trafficked to a locked compound to work as a maid.
Her days were filled with exhausting housework. Her nights were spent sleeping with the dogs. Her life was falling apart at the seams.
But the violence was the worst thing of all:
“I was constantly being beaten, and I didn’t even know where it hurt. I prayed to God to escape from this life quickly. There was no one who loved me.” – Nway
No child should be trafficked, isolated and abused. Will you help protect children? Become a Freedom Partner now.
Nway experienced extreme brutality, including being beaten with a golf club. Her fingers were deliberately injured to make her work more painful.
Nway tried to run away, but three times she was caught and punished. She thought she was completely alone, hemmed into a living nightmare.
But when a new maid became her friend, Nway found the courage to attempt escape one more time.
Together, the girls fled the house in the middle of the night and reached out to authorities for help.
Recovering from her horrific injuries in hospital, barely able to sit up or swallow, Nway urgently needed protection. Her hope was hanging by a thread. That’s when IJM and partners arrived on the scene.
“There was no place for her to stay and her only uncle did not want to accept her as a family member. It was our responsibility to take care of her.” – IJM staff
For the first time, Nway had someone to protect her. She was placed in an IJM-funded shelter where she received vital support to help her heal.
With specialist care and legal support from IJM and partners, Nway was able to testify in court against the trafficker.
Although she faced threats from the perpetrator’s family during the trial, Nway’s courage didn’t falter. Supported by the team, she kept going until the trafficker was handed a 10-year prison sentence.
When she was ready, Nway moved from the shelter to a foster home. Surrounded by a loving family, Nway finally has the long-term protection and love that she needs.
Now a teenager, Nway loves to sew and craft baskets. Inspired by her time learning dressmaking at the shelter, she wants to become a successful dressmaker one day.
“I’m thankful for the people and groups who helped me. I was given hope to live again and to dream again.” - Nway
It takes a global movement of people to protect children like Nway. Freedom Partners are a vital part of that movement.
Now is the very best time to join the movement! Become a Freedom Partner now.
*Pseudonym. Images of actress used.