Kindled Spirit

Kindled Spirit, a UK-based charity founded in 2013, focuses on breaking the cycle of exploitation for young women primarily from rural communities in India. In a partnership, founded in 2014 with Mumbai-based NGO Kshamata, the charity supports survivors of trafficking and abuse, helping them rebuild independent, fulfilling lives.

Our rehabilitation approach, designed by philanthropist Bharathy Tahiliani (CEO of Kshamata), is structured around a three-stage model: ENGAGE, EQUIP, and EMPOWER. This model ensures holistic recovery, beginning with trauma counselling and medical care, followed by life skills and vocational training tailored to each woman’s needs. The program stands out for its individualised plans and focus on long-term, sustainable outcomes. The rehabilitation process usually takes 15-18 months, after which the women emerge as confident, skilled individuals ready for employment in various sectors, such as retail, banking, catering, policing, and even taxi driving. What makes the program especially effective is the women’s active involvement in shaping their own rehabilitation plans, which fosters a sense of safety, compassion, and aspiration. Over the past 12 years, Kindled Spirit has positively impacted the lives of more than 3,700 women, empowering them to build strong futures and contribute to their communities and the workforce.

Thoughts of Riya (name changed), who was trafficked into sexual exploitation at the age of 17, once rescued, she was referred to Kshamata, where she trained to become a professional chef.

“At Kshamata, I found more than training—I found hope. For the first time, I believed I could create a future on my own terms.”

“Cooking gave me purpose and confidence. Today, when I wear my chef’s coat, I feel proud of who I am and how far I’ve come.”

Riya and many thousands of girls like her make what we do so important a...