Kolonkojoyini uses Maa Durga installation to highlight stigma faced by trafficking survivors

Every Durga Puja, Bengal celebrates the homecoming of Maa Durga. Taking inspiration from this tradition, Kolkata-based NGO Sanlaap joined hands with Tribes to present Kolonkojoyini, an artistic installation that highlight the social stigma faced by women and girls who have survived sex trafficking. 

The installation, whose name means ‘She Who Conquers Stigma’, depicts Maa Durga using hundreds of garments contributed by survivors of sex trafficking. The initiative aimed to encourage people to look beyond a survivor’s past and recognise her right to live with respect and acceptance. 

The installation also included a Wall of Acceptance, where visitors could share their commitments to treating survivors with dignity, along with a digital platform for taking pledges. 

“Kolonkojoyini brings together the cultural resonance of Maa Durga and a deeply human message of dignity and acceptance. Through an installation created from garments contributed by survivors, we wanted to create an experience that encourages people to pause, reflect and participate in a meaningful social conversation. We believe creativity can help make difficult subjects more accessible, fostering empathy and encouraging people to turn their intentions into positive action,” said Gour Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director of Tribes.  

“For survivors of sex trafficking, rebuilding their lives involves overcoming not only the trauma of exploitation but also the stigma and discrimination they may encounter in society. Through  Kolonkojoyini, we hope to encourage families and communities to look beyond a survivor’s past and recognise her dignity, strength and right to live with respect. Every woman and girl deserves the opportunity to rebuild her life and be accepted as an equal member of society,” said Pinaki Sinha, Executive Director of Sanlaap.  

The installation reminds us that acceptance can be a powerful step towards enabling survivors to move forward with confidence, dignity and hope.