Twenty-three-years-old Adau, originally from South Sudan, found herself misled into working at a drone manufacturing facility in Russia under the Alabuga Start programme. This recruitment initiative targeted young women from Africa, promising them training in various vocational fields, but ultimately led them into dangerous job conditions in war-related production. After arriving in Russia, Adau and other recruits realized the grim reality of their situation when they were assigned to work on drones, despite their initial applications aimed for different technical roles.

The program, which has faced accusations of human trafficking, has seen over a thousand women recruited under false pretenses. Adau, unaware of the military implications of her work, faced dire conditions, including the use of harmful chemicals that caused her skin to peel. Within weeks of her arrival, her workplace was struck by a Ukrainian drone, highlighting the perilous nature of their production and living situations.

Despite being promised higher wages, workers often received significantly less due to deductions for living expenses and other imposed penalties. Adau eventually resigned, feeling compelled by the guilt of contributing to a war machine that destroys lives. Her story underscores the need for increased awareness around ethical recruitment practices and the hidden dangers facing vulnerable populations seeking overseas opportunities.