Freedom Changes Her Story. And It Changes Ours Too
This International Women’s Day, we pause and recognise the courage, leadership and resilience of women everywhere – and to recommit ourselves to building a world where they are safe and free to flourish.
For millions of women and girls today, freedom is still not guaranteed. Globally, an estimated 50 million people live in modern slavery, many of them women and girls facing violence, exploitation and trafficking.
When justice works and freedom lasts, stories begin to change.
At IJM, we see it every day. When survivors are safe, supported, and given the space to rebuild, something powerful happens.
Dreams return.
Families are restored.
Communities grow stronger.
Here are just a few of the stories unfolding today.
-
A New Chapter for Rimu*
“My dream is to open a small Indonesian restaurant.”
After surviving trafficking and exploitation, Rimu returned home and opened a small food stall inspired by the recipes her grandmother once taught her.
Today she is rebuilding her life, reconnecting with family, and dreaming about the restaurant she hopes to open one day.
Freedom gave her the chance to write a new chapter.
-
Thenmoyi is Leading Change
“I went back to school and finished my school education. I got married and became a mother. I even began to dream again…More than anything, I knew I wanted to fight for those still trapped in the darkness I once knew so well.”
After experiencing exploitation, Thenmoyi rebuilt her life and chose to become a bold voice for others still waiting for freedom.
Her story is a reminder that when survivors are supported, they often become powerful leaders for change.
-
Tatiana is Helping Shape a Future for the Next Generation
“I volunteer in the My Story Matters movement because I want my daughter to have a better future.”
Through survivor leadership movements, women like Tatiana are helping protect the next generation from violence and exploitation.
Her courage is shaping safer communities for children and families.
These stories don’t just change the lives of survivors.
They change us too.
Recently, two members of the IJM Australia team reflected on how these stories have changed them.
On a recent trip to the Philippines, Shalom shared dinner with survivor leaders advocating to end online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC).
In their laughter, their courage, and their leadership, she saw something powerful – a shared story.
For Shalom, the moment was deeply personal. Born in Australia but connected to her Filipino heritage, she suddenly felt a powerful sense of belonging.
“I saw myself at that table. I felt proud to share heritage with some of the strongest people I’ve ever met.”
For Isaac, this International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on the women who have shaped his life – the ones who have shown him what strength, joy, and faithfulness look like every day.
His wife, whose joy brings smiles to children’s faces.
His mother-in-law, whose cooking creates a sense of belonging around the table.
His mother, whose love and sacrifice have guided his family through every season.
Their influence inspires the kind of person he wants to become.
But working at IJM has also shown him another reality.
“I hear stories of incredible women who have endured injustice and unimaginable hardship.”
Women like Rimu.
Women whose courage continues even after rescue.
“Women deserve safety. Women deserve dignity. Women deserve freedom.”
The Story Continues
At IJM, we meet women who have endured injustice and unimaginable hardship. But we also witness their courage, resilience, and determination to rebuild what was taken.
When women are safe and free to live fully, the impact ripples far beyond them.
This International Women’s Day, we honour the women whose courage inspires change – and the many more whose stories are still unfolding.
Because every woman deserves the freedom to write what comes next.