On her first day of work, Adau realised she had made a big mistake.
We got our uniforms, not even knowing exactly what we were going to do. From the first day of work we were taken to the drones factory. We stepped in and we saw drones everywhere and people working. Then they took us to our different work stations.
Twenty-three-year-old Adau, originally from South Sudan, was lured to the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, with promises of a full-time job. She had applied to the Alabuga Start programme, aimed at young women from Africa and beyond, assuring them of professional training in various fields.
However, the programme has been accused of deceptive recruitment practices and subjecting recruits to dangerous work conditions for underpaid labor. While the Alabuga Start programme denies these allegations, it acknowledges that some employees were involved in building drones.
Last year, it garnered international attention when South African influencers promoting the programme were linked to accusations of human trafficking, prompting investigations.
Adau's journey began with an online advertisement from a South Sudanese ministry that promised scholarship opportunities in Russia. Intrigued, she filled out an application, choosing a technical field to work in, unaware of the harsh reality awaiting her.
Upon arrival in Russia, she faced a brutal winter and the stark reality of her situation when she found herself working in a war production facility making drones. Unable to discuss her work due to a non-disclosure agreement, she felt trapped as she painted drone components with toxic chemicals that left her skin peeling.
To make matters worse, the facility was targeted in a drone strike, prompting panic and fear among the workers. Adau and others were left questioning the dangers associated with their work and the true nature of their recruitment.
While a small number of women reported positive experiences within the program, many, like Adau, continue to grapple with feelings of betrayal and the moral implications of their roles in the ongoing conflict.
