Child trafficking survivor Rani Hong named 'Vanitha Woman of the Year'

Tuesday 01 May 2018 10:21 AM IST

by Our Correspondent

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Child trafficking survivor Rani Hong named 'Vanitha Woman of the Year'

Born in Kochi, Rani was abducted by a human tracking racket from her family at the age of seven.

Kottayam: Keralite Rani Hong, a survivor of child trafficking and a leading advocate for the fight against modern day slavery globally, has been adjudged the 'Woman of the Year 2018' by Vanitha magazine, a publication of the Malayala Manorama Group.

Rani, who has dedicated her life to the crusade against human trafficking, slavery and child labour for the past 19 years, has served as a special adviser to the United Nations.

The US-based Tronie Foundation, which Rani founded with her husband Trong Hong, provides support to survivors of human trafficking and promote and protect their rights. She also initiated the first World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which is now marked on July 30th every year by the UN.

Born in Kochi, Rani was abducted by a human tracking racket from her family at the age of seven. She was sold into slavery in Canada and was beaten, starved, and caged. When her condition deteriorated, she was put up for adoption.

Rani realised that she was a victim of human trafficking when she visited her parents in Kerala 21 years later. It prompted her to devote the rest of her life to raising awareness around human trafficking and slavery.

Trong Hong, a victim of child trafficking in his native Vietnam whom she met during her schooldays, became her life partner. In 2006, they founded the Tronie Foundation to educate the public about trafficking and to support survivors. The initiative grew into a passionate voice for victims on the world stage.

Through the campaign christened ‘Rani’s Voice’, the couple focusses on driving awareness of human trafficking and slavery and encourage the survivors to speak out.

She has been honoured with many awards, including the Jefferson Award and the United Nations Human Rights award.

Rani lives in Olympia in Washington, DC, with her husband and children.

The May 1-14 issue of Vanitha will feature her inspiring life story and an in-depth interview.

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