A women’s protection and rehabilitation initiative in Mumbai that provides safe shelter, care, and long-term support to homeless and vulnerable women facing violence and abandonment.

Gender inequality and violence against women and marginalized communities remain deeply rooted challenges in India, often forcing young women to leave unsafe environments or face abandonment due to social and economic factors. Many of these women are left without access to basic necessities, documentation, or support systems, making them highly vulnerable to exploitation, poor health, and homelessness. URJA Trust, a grassroots organization based in Mumbai, works to address these challenges by providing rescue, shelter, and rehabilitation services for young homeless and vulnerable women. The organization creates safe and supportive environments where survivors of violence and trauma can begin their journey toward healing and stability. URJA’s intervention begins with crisis shelters that offer immediate protection and care, taking into account the emotional and psychological trauma experienced by survivors. These spaces are designed to provide safety, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Once immediate needs are addressed, individuals are supported through development centers that focus on long-term rehabilitation, skill-building, and reintegration into society. The organization adopts a holistic approach that includes medical care, psychological support, and assistance in accessing legal identity and government services. Through community outreach and system strengthening, URJA also works to ensure that marginalized women can access institutional support without fear or discrimination. The impact of this initiative is reflected in cases like Shalini, a young woman from Gujarat who faced emotional abuse and instability after the loss of her parents. Without financial support or documentation, she struggled to cope with her circumstances. Through URJA’s intervention, she received medical and psychological care and was placed in a safe assisted living environment, where she continues to receive the support she needs. By providing protection, care, and pathways to independence, the initiative restores dignity and hope, enabling vulnerable women to rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.