Mazna was born in a small village in India. Her family was poor and couldn’t afford to send Mazna to school.

One day, a family friend visited. He suggested to Mazna’s father that he send her to Mumbai: he said she could make money for the family by working as a housekeeper. He seemed trustworthy so Mazna’s father agreed to let her go.

Upon arrival in the city, Mazna was immediately sold to a brothel. Mazna had been trafficked.

Mazna's life in the brothel was like a nightmare that she couldn't wake up from. She ran away one day. She was tracked down by the brothel owner who beat her badly, saying he would only release her after she had paid her debts.

Tearfund partner Oasis, visited Mazna’s brothel. They gave her the chance to learn new skills and trained Mazna in henna art (temporary body paint). Through the relationship and trust she built up, she told the Oasis staff her debts were 20,000 rupees (about £225).

One day an opportunity arose. A visiting group to Mumbai were looking to have henna painted on their hands. Oasis put them in contact with Mazna. She earned enough to pay off her debts to the brothel owner. She was released.

Mazna returned home and was reunited with her family. She said:

In my life, I never thought I would be released from this darkness but Oasis helped me to be set free. They gave me the strength and confidence to keep fighting; they were always behind me and that’s why I won the race. Mazna