Dara’s story, from exploitation to graduation
At Joya Jewellery we are proud to share Dara’s story, a survivor who represents the countless girls you support through wearing our beautiful gold and silver jewellery.
Dara, graduated last month as one of 36 survivors rescued by Joya Jewellery’s partner, Destiny Rescue.
Dara’s story
Dara was born in Uganda – an area well known for its rich wildlife and waterfalls. She was brought up by her single mother, however once her mother remarried Dara was abandoned and left to fend for herself.
Dara spent her time trying everything to provide for herself, as she recalls “I tried looking for different kinds of survival. I tried selling in the market and on the roadside but things did not work out the way I wanted.”
Soon Dara met a group of ladies who introduced her to a “faster way” of making money, selling herself to men in order to pay for basic necessities. Dara tried to avoid street work, working as a housemaid, but found that street work was the only way she could make enough money.
At age 16 Dara met a female rescue agent, who suggested Dara join one of the programs run by Destiny Rescue. Despite the potential to live off the streets, Dara was hesitant. Past experiences of exploitation experienced by survivors can lead them to be distrusting of “free help”.
After some convincing Dara agreed to come along. There she met teachers, counsellors, the other girls and the ‘Mamas’ who mentor the girls and facilitate classes that the girls attend. While Dara found this new chapter difficult to adjust to, she eventually made the decision to stay.
During her time in the rehabilitation program, Dara was loved and taught her amazing worth as a woman. She decided to study business and entrepreneurship which eventually led her to graduation.
Though Dara’s story of survival has been full of ups and downs she has hope for the future and mentioned, “right now, I can say life has really changed a lot.” She added, “I am a happier person and I feel there is hope again in living a good life, a life of respect and respecting myself and respecting other people around me.”
At Joya Jewellery we are very thankful to you, our customers who choose to support the work of our partners.
It is our hope and mission to see an end to exploitation and human trafficking. By wearing jewellery from Joya, you stand with Dara and the countless others like her as we support our partners to reach even more girls.
If you would like to support girls like Dara, you can shop our range of Australian jewellery. To learn more about our mission, visit the about us page.
This story was recorded by our partners and summarised by Joya Jewellery – credit, Destiny Rescue
- Names have been changed to protect identities
