On her first day of work, Adau realized 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.' Originally from South Sudan, Adau had applied to the Alabuga Start program, drawn by the promise of job training in logistics and hospitality but ended up in a war production facility. The program has been criticized for deceptive practices and forcing young recruits to work under dangerous conditions.

Now, over 1000 women have been recruited to build drones in Alabuga, as stories emerge of influencers promoting these schemes under the guise of opportunity, only to lead many into human trafficking. Adau's experience took a dark turn after she learned that she would be making drones instead of working in a technical field as promised. The reality hit hard when the factory was targeted in a Ukrainian drone strike, turning her world upside down.

As she resigned, the struggles continued with harsh working conditions, including exposure to harmful chemicals and a pay structure that exploited her labor. Adau’s story is a gripping reminder of the dangers lurking behind enticing job offers, and shines a light on the exploitation faced by young women seeking better lives.