BDHC Kolkata supports Women's Interlink Foundation
The Deputy High Commission Kolkata has supported the work of WIF for a number of years, with its vision of a world where disadvantaged women, vulnerable children and communities have access to basic amenities, and are empowered to improve their quality of life.
During HRH The Duke of York’s 2012 tour to India, to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata arranged a visit to the Women’s Interlink Foundation (WIF) home for trafficked and vulnerable women). The Deputy High Commission has supported the work of WIF for a number of years, with its vision of a world where disadvantaged women, vulnerable children and communities have access to basic amenities, and are empowered to improve their quality of life.
Following the visit, HRH The Duke of York was keen to find a way to support the work of WIF in a sustainable manner, and helped identify a UK retailer to carry some of the products produced by the women at WIF. The result is the “Key to Freedom” range now being carried by Topshop at its flagship store in London and at other locations.
Most of the young women at WIF have been exposed, since early childhood, to domestic abuse and in most cases have been trafficked into the sex trade. The sale of these products to a wider customer group allows the women who sew and dye the garments to earn a living and regain control of the choices in their lives. All profits go straight back into the WIF in order to rescue and support more young women and to build new homes. Photos
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