Empower Her Network: Supporting Survivors on the Road to Independence
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”
These words echo in the minds of activists across the globe. They also resonate strongly with Empower Her Network (EHN). Sprawled across their website amidst pink and orange power colors, EHN not only identifies with these words but is living proof of the power they hold. EHN is a testimony that collaboration and heart can achieve the unachievable and ultimately empower the women we are working to liberate from modern-day slavery.
EHN started as a dream of Kristy Norbert and Abby Fabiaschi. Both women were drawn to the recovery element of working with survivors. When talking in terms of human trafficking, it’s easy to focus on concepts of rescue efforts and subsequent legal help.
Norbert and Fabiaschi started their organization born out of a desire to help with what comes after, the rebuilding of lives. Their website emphasizes “a path toward fiscal independence by developing sustainable empowerment through education, housing, and long-term employment opportunities.” While rescue and policies are increasingly talked about in the context of human trafficking, EHN is challenging the standard and emphasizing the need for thorough aftercare that can help women stand on their own two feet.
The idea is simple. Provide empowerment to survivors ready for independence. While many aftercare models provide short-term fixes, EHN looks ahead at how to give women the tools to sustain themselves and reach a stage of self-actualization in their healing. They achieve this by reaching out to survivors through partner programs and then creating a needs assessment to build an empowerment plan. From here, EHN helps women tackle their empowerment plan by giving them the lift they may need to achieve their goals. Dreams of higher education and living independently suddenly are not far-fetched desires when resources, community, and a plan come together for these women.
Survivors may find themselves at a confusing crossroad after their rescue. If a survivor is exploited at a young age, they may leave the industry only to realize that they do not have skills to fall back on nor a guaranteed community back home to support them. EHN is bridging the gap by giving women the tools they need to get back on their feet.
One words that embodies the work of EHN is "diya" --Sanskrit for lamp. This symbol represents victory and hope. Their symbol serves as an anthem of hope for women raising up across the world and using their story of survival for personal empowerment.
The diya bracelet that they sell is one of the ways that you can help support this affirmative message and impact. The purchase of one of their bracelets featuring the symbol fuels their efforts with 100% of the funds going into their line of work. Other ways of involvement include general donations as well as recommendations for survivors that would benefit from the program. Empower Her Network achieves great things because they believe in the power of a strong network and the power of empowerment.
Giveaway Time!
We are giving away two Lulu Frost bracelets from EHN to one lucky winner and a friend. Find out details for entry by visiting our Instagram page
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About the Author
Sara Kernan is a proud Alaskan that now calls Southern California home (while trying not to melt in the summer). She is finishing her undergrad program this year. Sara can usually be found either drinking coffee or finding a new hiking trail with her husband and going on new adventures.