Human trafficking robs millions of their freedom, leaving lasting scars on individuals and communities alike. Thankfully, powerful efforts across the world are working to confront this injustice. Organizations such as Free the Slaves, India Partners, International Justice Mission, and PACT rescue victims, provide employment opportunities, and advocate for change worldwide. These nonprofits provide critical resources like safe housing, trauma care, and educational programs to help protect those vulnerable to trafficking.
To honor World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30), read on to see how this vital work is transforming lives in places like Kenya, Vietnam, and India. And if it leaves you feeling inspired, consider donating through your workplace giving campaign or directly to the End Human Trafficking Fund. Every contribution helps expand this essential support, bringing us one step closer to a world free from exploitation.
International Justice Mission
Right now, children, women, and men are being enslaved, abused, and exploited. People living in poverty are uniquely vulnerable because local justice systems are not equipped to protect them. Every day, they are at risk of brutal violence like trafficking & slavery, violence against women & children, and police abuse of power.
International Justice Mission rescues people from human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and violence. They protect survivors so they can thrive without fear and bring their traffickers to justice.
Free the Slaves
Survivors of modern slavery don’t just rebuild their lives — they often become the leaders driving change. Eileen Beryl Oginga is one of those leaders. With the support of Free the Slaves, she transformed her experience of exploitation into a powerful force for good, helping others find freedom and healing.
In her own words, Eileen shares her story from victim to leader:
“My name is Eileen Beryl Oginga, and I am a survivor leader. My journey has been one of growth, learning, and empowerment — a transformation I never thought possible when I first got involved with Free the Slaves (FTS).
My introduction to FTS came through my mother organization, which rescued and rehabilitated me. At the time, I had no idea how much my life would change. I was invited to participate in the Alliance 8.7 process, and this opportunity opened doors I never imagined. Through this experience, I gained skills in advocacy and leadership that have shaped the person I am today.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to share my story professionally — focusing on educating and inspiring others without retraumatizing myself or my audience. I also developed a deeper understanding of ethics and what it means to be a good leader. These lessons gave me the confidence to embrace my potential and take on new challenges.
During the Alliance 8.7 program, I was privileged to be part of the process of developing Kenya’s roadmap to combat child labor, forced labor, and modern slavery. Initially, I doubted myself. I didn’t know if I could lead a team, and my past trauma made me feel like I was a nobody. I often felt like people only wanted to use my story without truly seeing me.
But Free the Slaves believed in me, and their support gave me the strength to step up. I fully participated in the roadmap development process, and when it was time to select cluster leaders, I was chosen to lead the Child Labor Cluster. This was a turning point for me. It was the moment I realized I could lead, that my voice and experience mattered.
As part of the roadmap journey, survivors came together and decided to form the Survivor Network Kenya — a space where we could support and advocate for each other. This network has become a powerful tool for survivors like me to amplify our voices and fight for our rights.
The advocacy skills I gained through Free the Slaves and the Alliance 8.7 process have transformed me. I have become a confident speaker, able to represent survivors in high-level meetings and advocate for change. I no longer feel like a victim — I feel like a leader.
I am deeply grateful to Free the Slaves for providing me with this incredible platform to grow and lead. Their dedication to empowering survivors has changed my life, and I pray that God continues to provide more resources for them and for the Survivor Network Kenya. Together, we have the potential to change the lives of many more survivors and bring hope to those who need it most.
Today, I am ready to fight for the rights of other survivors. My journey has shown me that our stories have power — not just to inspire others but to create real change. Thanks to the support and training I received, I am not just telling my story — I am living proof that survivors can lead and thrive.”
India Partners
Navigating the busy hotel with grace and poise, Payal strides confidently down the polished corridors of a prestigious 5-star resort. Her reflection in the hallway mirror catches her attention. “I am beautifully and wonderfully made,” she says to herself — finally believing it to her core. A flood of gratefulness brings a gentle comfort as she recounts what her life could have been if they had not helped her escape the red-light districts of Mumbai.
At a young age Payal’s mother, a sex worker, recognized the harm Payal would face if she stayed with her. The constant stream of dangerous men in their home was no environment a little girl should have to grow up in. So, her mother bravely brought her to the India Partners’ safe house to be raised in protection.
The safe house became an extended family that loved and took care of her. She grew up there without danger of exploitation and abuse. Education was a right, not a privilege, and her growth was nurtured holistically.
In her teenage years, she discovered she had a gift for hospitality. A remarkable individual, Payal exceled in art & craft, cooking & baking, and event organization. As the eldest among 15 girls in the home, she wore responsibility like a badge of honor, assisting house parents and caring for her younger sisters with tenderness.
When she turned 18, Payal transitioned to an aftercare home where she continued her education and earned her Diploma in Hotel Management.
Today, as Payal delicately places pastries in perfect rows for her hotel guests, she smiles. Her life is more than she could have ever dreamed. It’s all thanks to the generous donations that helped rescue her as a child from the red-light districts of India.
PACT
The PACT Survivors’ Council was established in 2017 to provide a safe space for survivors to come together. Made up of individuals from a wide range of identities, backgrounds, genders, ages, and sexual orientations, the Council brings together voices united by a shared commitment: to use their personal journeys to raise awareness about child sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.
The insights and expertise of Survivors’ Council members are at the core of PACT’s work. They play an active role in shaping programs and evaluating their impact, ensuring that everything PACT does is guided by the real-world experiences of survivors. By centering these voices, PACT stays true to its mission of survivor-informed, survivor-led advocacy and action.
Support the fight against human trafficking by donating to one of these organizations through your workplace giving campaign. Your gift helps protect lives, empower survivors, and create lasting change.
