Former Trafficking Victim Triumphs with Successful Business
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| Photo Credit: Revival of the Nation NGO, Ternopil |
Yulia’s (name changed) story, is similar to those of other Ukrainian women who fell victim to traffickers. However, she is among the fortunate who have escaped and made a new life for herself.
In 2004, Yulia was offered employment in Poland as a caretaker for an elderly couple. Upon her arrival, Yulia discovered that “the couple” was, in fact, a family of four: Mr. X, his disabled wife who could not walk, and their two children. On her first day, Mr. X informed Yulia of her duties, which included caretaking responsibilities for his wife, as well as all the household chores. When Yulia questioned the additional work, Mr. X promised additional compensation. Next, he confiscated Yulia’s passport, under the guise of needing it to obtain a work permit for her. He also told her not to leave the house, because if she got caught working without a permit, he, as her employer, would be penalized.
Working for the family turned to be difficult and emotionally draining. The children were disobedient, and Yulia was constantly cleaning up after them. Once she asked the children to collect their toys, and in return their father beat her. After a few months of hard work, Yulia asked for the money that she had been promised but had never received. The man lost his temper, and proceeded to beat and rape her. Yulia was told that she did not deserve any additional payment, as she was already compensated with food and accommodations. Violence and rapes became routine, and Yulia could not leave the house. Every time Mr. X left home, he locked her in the room with the wife.
Finally, Yulia could not tolerate the situation any longer and told Mr. X’s wife about the rapes. The wife demanded Yulia’s immediate dismissal. The man beat and raped Yulia once more, but eventually let her go. She was able to got her passport back with just enough money to cover a bus ticket home.
Back in Ukraine, Yulia received comprehensive assistance from a local NGO and the International Organization for Migration(IOM) Mission in Ukraine under the Reintegration Assistance to Victims of Trafficking Program supported by USAID. She received psychological counseling and the necessary medical treatment at the IOM Medical Rehabilitation Center, which included medical tests and free medications, as well as board and lodging. Yulia also received a reintegration grant and support from the NGO in her hometown.
In 2007, Yulia decided to start her own business. She had a sound business idea and all the necessary professional skills. What Yulia lacked, however, was a formal business plan and start-up capital. After completing a business skills course provided by the IOM, Yulia received initial capital of about $2,500 to open a small hairdressing studio. She took out a bank loan to decorate and furnish her studio before its grand opening. The studio turned out to be a success, and quickly expanded.
Today, Yulia employs one worker and two interns. Through her work, she has earned a good reputation and a loyal group of clients, many of whom come to her studio every month. As a socially responsible business owner, Yulia also effectively contributes to community development by providing free salon services as fundraisers for the Day of Disabled Peopleand Child Protection Day. Yulia also has a group of retired elderly clients, to whom she provides free services regularly. A discount of 50 percent is available to low-income clients. Despite the global financial crisis, Yulia’s business continues to grow, and she is making plans to expand further.
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