On her first day of work, Adau realised she had made a big mistake.
Last year, the 23-year-old South Sudanese woman was lured to Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone under the promise of a full-time job. What awaited her was a harsh reality in a drone factory.
From the first day, we were taken to the drones factory and saw drones everywhere. We realized the truth, but it was too late, Adau said.
The Alabuga Start programme aimed at young women from Africa has been accused of using deceptive recruitment tactics, forcing participants into a dangerous work environment with far lower pay than initially promised.
Adau had hoped for training in logistics or catering, but ended up working in a facility involved in the production of military drones.
As Ukraine escalates its conflict with Russia, the factory became a target, leading to dangerous encounters that Adau never signed up for. My friends and I slept through an explosion that shattered our hostel's windows, a stark wake-up call to our reality, she recalled.
Despite signing contracts and non-disclosure agreements, many women find themselves in precarious positions, struggling with toxins and physical injuries, like Adau's skin peeling from chemical exposure.
It felt devastating to think my work could contribute to something causing devastation in war, taking lives, she confided.
Adau’s story reflects the grim reality for over a thousand women in similar positions, prompting international calls for investigations and protections against such employment practices. Yet, many remain trapped, unable to escape a situation they were manipulated into.
