Around the world, we come together to celebrate International Women’s Day—raising awareness and inspiring action to create a world where opportunities are equal for women and girls.
When women are empowered and have access to opportunities to build their lives, there are no limits to what they can achieve.
International Justice Mission (IJM) and our partners work to protect and support women and girls who have experienced violence. From the moment they are rescued, we walk alongside them—fighting for justice, providing safety and care as they heal, and empowering them as they rebuild their lives in freedom.
Together, we have seen over 100,000 lives transformed. Tin Tin*, a remarkable woman from Myanmar, is one of them.
When Tin Tin arrived in Thailand in 2019, she was determined to find a decent job to pay off her mortgage in Myanmar. She came across a Facebook job advertisement offering work at a bakery. Tin Tin contacted the recruiter and was told more about the job—she was promised benefits like three meals a day and free accommodation. Tin Tin paid the required broker fee and took the job, hopeful of a brighter future.
As soon she arrived, the promises began to unravel. Her phone and ID were confiscated. The “bakery” turned out to be a jelly candy factory, and her reality became 12-hour workdays, seven days a week, with no pay. Tin Tin and 17 other workers were forced to pack 1,500–2,000 jelly sticks daily, often working through the night without sleep.
Conditions at the factory were harsh and often dangerous. Without proper tools, injuries were common. Meals were scarce, and workers had no choice but to drink unsafe tap water. They slept on cardboard in cramped, poorly ventilated rooms, and those who fell ill were punished with isolation and denied food.
Whenever their work was deemed unsatisfactory, they suffered verbal abuse, manipulation, and spiritual threats tied to their cultural beliefs.
Tin Tin was confined in a house with a tall, spiked fence, locked gates, and 24-hour CCTV surveillance. She feared for her safety and the possibility of never escaping what she described as ‘hell.’
Her face lit up when she spoke about the day she was rescued.
IJM Thailand and Thai government agencies led a rescue operation and transported Tin Tin and the other survivors to shelters. They were placed under IJM’s aftercare support and provided with meals and supplies. After receiving care, some chose to return home. Tin Tin, however, stayed in Thailand to rebuild her life with renewed hope. She still cannot forget the overwhelming sense of relief and happiness she felt that day.
IJM provided legal assistance and acted as co-plaintiff in the case against the factory’s owners. Two perpetrators were convicted of forced labour and fined 756,000 THB (approximately 36,000 AUD). IJM continues to appeal for a conviction on human trafficking charges.
Tin Tin shares how she has regained confidence in the justice system.
Today, Tin Tin’s life has been completely transformed. She is happily married, has a stable job, and is free to build a life of her own.
The Light of Hope found a leader in Tin Tin.
Through IJM Thailand’s Light of Hope LSN, Tin Tin gained skills in advocacy, public speaking, and storytelling. She now uses her voice to inspire and empower others. On TikTok, she shares knowledge and encourages those facing exploitation to seek help.
In March 2024, Tin Tin took the stage at Thailand’s Modern Slavery Conference for one of her proudest moments. She represented survivors and bravely shared her story. She urged the government to expand support channels in migrant languages and thanked those who had helped her along the way.
Building a Future for Women Everywhere
Around the world, women and girls continue to face exploitation and violence. But when given the opportunity, they rise, rebuild, and create a future full of possibility.
Together, we can stand with women like Tin Tin to create sustainable pathways for freedom and transformation.
This International Women’s Day—and everyday—join us in celebrating Tin Tin and women like her. Support our work to build a future where women and girls everywhere can thrive.
*Pseudonym used and image obstructed to protect survivors’ identity.
*/ ?> 
