There were literally so many amazing organisations to choose from, from those offering aid, to emergency medical help and food bank provisions - all of which were so humbling and incredibly admirable in their focus and front line mission - but it was the empowerment of HERA (Her Economic Rights and Autonomy) directly working with woman who have experienced unimaginable trauma through human trafficking to be entrepreneurial, to believe in themselves again with the right training and mentoring that really got me excited.
Reading some of the stories of the 1026 women survivors (343 in London) who HERA have worked with and who have broken the cycle, some even setting up their own venture and employing women themselves in regions with the highest rates of trafficking in Central / Eastern Europe was truly remarkable.
The resilience, the bravery, the strength and the power these women have regained was so incredibly moving and truly impactful.
I know that the rest of the HAB will agree with me - it really has been such an honour to be involved in this process and for our fellow hosts to be a part of this too!
Thanks so much!
Anna