The fourth issue of “Evidence in Practice”, Unlocking what works: How community-based interventions are ending bonded labour in India, outlines the Freedom Fund’s efforts to eradicate bonded labour in northern and southern India over the past five years, with an investment of approximately $15.8 million in over 40 local NGOs. The programs focus on addressing systemic causes of exploitation, particularly in industries like brick kilns, stone quarries, and cotton spinning mills, where vulnerable populations, including lower caste households and young women, are often trapped in debt bondage. By implementing community-based interventions and engaging with government and business stakeholders, the Freedom Fund aims to create sustainable change.
Key findings from the evaluations indicate a significant reduction in the prevalence of bonded labour, with rates dropping from over 56% to around 11% in intervention communities. The evaluations highlight the effectiveness of awareness-raising and group mobilization strategies and the importance of ongoing support for survivors. Additionally, the programs have improved household economic conditions, increased access to services, and enhanced participants’ knowledge of their rights. The report underscores the transformative impact of grassroots interventions in empowering communities to combat exploitation and achieve lasting change.
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