Fashion to Free Women in the Philippines: How a Walkway Fights Against Human Trafficking

Fashioned for Freedom Gala Unites Dallas Community in Fight Against Human Trafficking

By André Averion, Communications Chair

Published December 6, 2024.

The Fashioned for Freedom event transformed Dallas into a hub of activism and elegance this past week, gathering advocates, fashion lovers, and community members under one roof to combat human trafficking. Hosted in partnership with My Refuge House, a nonprofit committed to rehabilitating trafficking survivors, the annual event featured a vibrant runway show, inspiring speeches, and a powerful message of resilience and hope for survivors.

Fashioned for Freedom has become a platform not only for showcasing local and sustainable fashion but also for raising funds and awareness in the fight against human trafficking. Attendees were reminded that beyond the beauty of the evening, their presence directly contributes to vital resources for survivors. The funds raised will help expand My Refuge House’s programs, supporting survivors through education, counseling, and life skills training.

Kim Jones, the Director of Engagement at My Refuge House, addressed the audience with a heartfelt message on the power of community involvement. Attendees were reminded that every contribution plays a role in breaking the cycle of exploitation for survivors and their communities.

“Tonight, you’re not just here to see beautiful fashion,” Jones said. “You’re here to change lives. Without you, we cannot transform the futures of young girls who have endured unimaginable hardships.” 

While Fashioned for Freedom focuses on creating change through art and generosity, it also shines a light on the larger global crisis of human trafficking, particularly in regions like the Philippines, where My Refuge House is based. The U.S. Department of State’s 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report highlights the significant scale of trafficking in the Philippines, where both sex trafficking and forced labor continue to thrive. The country remains a source, transit, and destination point for traffickers, who often prey on individuals in poverty-stricken areas with promises of work or educational opportunities. Children, especially young girls, are among the most vulnerable, with traffickers often using deceptive methods or coercion to exploit them.

According to the report, factors like poverty, limited access to education, and inadequate resources contribute to the high risk of trafficking in the Philippines. Victims, lured by the promise of financial support for their families, frequently find themselves trapped in exploitative situations from which escape is difficult. Human rights advocates stress that addressing trafficking in the Philippines requires a multi-faceted approach: not only through law enforcement and policy changes but also through community-level education and rehabilitation programs.

Amid this challenging environment, My Refuge House stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for trafficking survivors. The nonprofit provides a safe, nurturing space where survivors can heal physically and emotionally, offering comprehensive care that includes trauma-informed counseling, life skills training, and educational support. Since its founding, My Refuge House has dedicated itself to breaking the cycle of exploitation by empowering survivors with tools to rebuild their lives.

Jones, who has worked with the organization for over a decade, emphasizes that the journey of healing is deeply intertwined with community and stability. 

“Education and stability aren’t just important; they’re life-changing,” Jones said. “When a girl is educated, she changes the world.”

My Refuge House also seeks to expand its reach through prevention programs aimed at educating at-risk communities and equipping young girls with the knowledge and resources to avoid becoming trafficking victims. By providing educational opportunities and fostering resilience, the organization works to address the root causes that make individuals vulnerable to traffickers in the first place. 

This vision extends beyond individual lives to entire communities, as My Refuge House aims to empower survivors to become leaders, advocates, and positive influences in their own communities. The organization dreams of expanding its programs even further, including establishing a dedicated school space where survivors can access consistent, high-quality education.

Fashioned for Freedom isn’t just a fundraiser; it’s a movement that connects people from around the world to take a stand against human trafficking. In the words of Jones, each attendee and supporter is a vital part of the mission to restore dignity, hope, and opportunity for survivors of trafficking.

 “Your support builds a future where every girl who walks through our doors has access to education, stability, and hope.”

By raising awareness, generating funds, and building connections, Fashioned for Freedom and My Refuge House aim to dismantle human trafficking one life at a time, proving that the power of compassion and community can create lasting change.