Meena

Meena’s Story: A Legacy of Courage and Hope

Meena left her home in Nepal with dreams of supporting her family, believing that a job abroad would provide new opportunities. But upon arrival in a foreign country, someone she trusted betrayed her. A woman drugged Meena and forced her into sexual slavery. For two years, she endured unimaginable suffering, her hope nearly extinguished. Yet, her love for her daughter gave her the strength to hold on.

Determined to break free, Meena took a daring risk. She tied several scarves together, climbed out of a second-floor window, and escaped to safety. Her journey home led her back to Nepal, where she reunited with her family and began to heal. Through the support of local partners and her newfound faith, she found the strength to rebuild her life—and even to forgive those who had wronged her.

A New Future

Meena didn’t stop at survival. Determined to protect others from the same fate, she trained to become a border monitor, working to prevent young women from being trafficked. Each year, an estimated 10,000 Nepali women and girls are taken across the border into exploitation. Meena became a voice for freedom, using her story to bring change.

Tragically, in early 2015, Meena and her newborn passed away during childbirth. Yet, her impact lives on. This painting is a tribute to her bravery and a call to action to end human trafficking. Meena’s legacy is one of resilience, hope, and the fight for freedom.