Fall 2024
Life is dangerous for Samia*, a refugee girl living in a tent community. At only 11 years old, she is considered a financial burden to her large and growing family. The family openly discusses what to do with her.
Samia knew there had to be something more for her than being sold into marriage, a common practice and a form of human trafficking. She knew that the marriage would likely be so a man older than her father. She had seen girls her age be forced into wifely duties, and having babies when they were still children themselves. This is not what she wanted. She wanted to make her own choices about her future. At night, she dreamed of one day running her own business that could help her family, and they would see her value.
Samia heard about She Is Safe’s tutoring and mentoring program for girls. She was so excited at the possibility of learning new things and building new friendships with girls her age, she jumped right in. In just a few years, Samia has grown strong and confident. She can speak up for herself, and she believes in her potential. Samia contributes to her family by selling handmade jewelry and tutoring her siblings – she is achieving her dream!
Recently, Samia’s parents tried to force her into marriage to an old man. But Samia shares, “Because of the support I received in the program, I could tell my parents why I refuse a marriage at this age.” She is now working toward a new future of freedom, advocating for herself.
Life is dangerous for Samia*, a refugee girl living considered a financial burden to her large and growing family. The family openly discusses what to do with her.
Samia knew there had to be something more for her than being sold into marriage, a common practice and a form of human trafficking. She knew that the marriage would likely be to a man older than her father. She had seen girls her age be forced into wifely duties, and having babies when they were still children themselves. This is not what she wanted. She wanted to make her own choices about her future. At night, she dreamed of one day running her own business that could help her family, and they would see her value.
Samia heard about She Is Safe’s tutoring and mentoring program for girls. She was so excited at the possibility of learning new things and building new friendships with girls her age, she jumped right in. In just a few years, Samia has grown strong and confident. She can speak up for herself, and she believes in her potential. Samia contributes to her family by selling handmade jewelry and tutoring her siblings – she is achieving her dream!
Recently, Samia’s parents tried to force her into marriage to an old man. But Samia shares, “Because of the support I received in the program, I could tell my parents why I refuse a marriage at this age.” She is now working toward a new future of freedom, advocating for herself.
*She Is Safe uses representative names and photos to protect the dignity and security of those we serve.
- 548 teen girls delayed marriage by at least
one year. - 645 teen girls were set on a path toward a
brighter future through education, nurture and
improved nutrition. - 106 women received vocational training.
Message from Our Founder
What a joy it is to share about some of the women and girls in this year’s Life Change Annual Report. They have been transformed with your generous support. Together we can sing the praises of Psalm 5:11 “… let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
You’ve helped us share the truth with women and girls in the hardest places that God longs to be their refuge. Your heart for the most vulnerable is crucial in bringing His truth to the least-reached.
We are working with you to bring His light into the hardest places, so that women and girls can break away from the shackles of slavery and build new futures of freedom. We rejoice with you over every life represented here. Cultures that devalue women and girls change one life at a time. Please pray for our heavenly Father’s protection over them.
I hope you will join us in celebrating what He has done this year and put your investments into bringing His truth to even more women and girls in the year to come.
In His love,
Michele M. Rickett
Founder & CEO
“My mother is a sex worker in a brothel. Growing up in the Red Light District, I always felt unsafe. I knew that I had no one to protect me from the men who came to have sex, so when I went to school, I couldn’t focus. My mother told me, “I have so many hopes for you, but I can’t make them happen.” I was frequently went hungry, and my mother attempted suicide many times. Because of this I was brought to live at the She Is Safe Girls Restoration Home where I am safe, fed, supported in my education and able to heal from the past. My grades have improved, and I am building a strong future for myself.” -Chanda, age 15
- 1,455 women and teens improved literacy skills.
- 757 women and teens were equipped to become leaders in their small groups and communities.
- 303 leaders were equipped to help women start micro-enterprise self-help groups.
- 367 children were set on a path toward a brighter future through education, nurture and improved nutrition.
I lived in the red-light district of a tourist city in Indonesia with my boyfriend who was an adult. If I didn’t live with him, I would be alone while my father worked long hours as a security guard. Nearly all my neighbors were sex workers, and I could only imagine that I would have the same future. Social services was notified about my inappropriate living situation and relationship, and they brought me to She Is Safe’s Safe House. Now I am learning to live how a 14-year-old should – I’m going to school, and I have a safe and loving community. I am also learning how to knit and cook. For the first time in my life, I feel hopeful.”
-Amisha, 14
- 41 women and girls received care and training so they can focus on building better lives for themselves.
- 70,485 children and community members gained training to be safe from abuse and trafficking.
“When my husband passed away, I was afraid for my family. He was the one who earned the income to support us, and I have four young children to feed. During my grief, women from my She Is Safe Group came to visit me. They showed me the love of Christ during a very difficult time. I am participating in my group’s saving and lending program, saving each week. And I am going to add a small loan to that to start a business selling vegetables in the market. I want to keep my children safe.” -Kyal*
- 178 women and teens were equipped to become leaders in their small groups and communities.
Prevention through education and income
Rescue from Red Light Districts
Restoration in safe homes
This year with your help She Is Safe’s Prevention, Rescue and Restoration programs directly benefitted 82,132 individuals alongside 332 coworkers.
“I was trafficked to the Middle East, where I endured torture. I was eventually rescued and brought back to Nepal. However, I did not know how to protect myself from being trafficked again and I had no way to support my family. I joined She Is Safe’s program to receive counseling and trafficking awareness training along with help to start my small business. Now I feel that I am healing from the trauma I endured, and I know how to protect myself and my children from being trafficked. The money I earn from my business allows my children to stay in school and puts food on the table. I share my story with other women and girls, so they don’t suffer the same fate.” – Heena
This year in Nepal…
- 84 at-risk children and teenagers were set on a path toward a stronger future through education, personal care and improved nutrition.
- 21 women were equipped with literacy and numeracy skills.
- 30 women launched micro-businesses to support their family.
“I ran away from home as a young girl and fell victim to a trafficker at age 10. I have been in a brothel ever since. One day I met some women at the hair salon at the front of the brothel, and they asked me if I would like to come to their meeting. After I joined the She Is Safe Group, I learned a lot of new things about how to save money and start a business. I also experienced the light of Christ. Though I am in a bad place, I now have a plan, and I see a way out that I never did before. My She Is Safe Group changed my perspective!” -Chani*, age 17
- 36 women and teens were equipped to become leaders in their small groups and communities.
- 972 women are in She Is Safe groups saving, lending and learning to run micro-businesses.
“My She Is Safe Group has begun sewing hats. The income from this given us enough money to begin saving, and now we don’t need to ask our husbands for money to save. Traditionally we have not been able to work outside the home or earn an income, so this new opportunity gives us hope.” -Dristi
- 40 women were equipped with lending, leadership and livelihood skills.
IN COMMUNITIES KNOWN FOR SELLING GIRLS
$35 gives a girl one month of intervention.
As a RescueOne monthly partner, you can rescue her from sexual slavery, restore her afterward or prevent her from being sold in the first place.
Your monthly gift can offer
- safe haven in a restoration home
- vocational training for a new life of freedom
- income-generating alternatives for families that might
otherwise sell their girls
When families begin to see what a gift girls are, they shift their thinking toward God’s view of these image-bearers.
