By Eileen Beryl Oginga
My name is Eileen Beryl Oginga, and I am a survivor leader. My journey has been one of growth, learning, and empowerment—a transformation I never thought possible when I first got involved with Free the Slaves (FTS).
My introduction to FTS came through my mother organization, which rescued and rehabilitated me. At the time, I had no idea how much my life would change. I was invited to participate in the Alliance 8.7 process, and this opportunity opened doors I never imagined. Through this experience, I gained skills in advocacy and leadership that have shaped the person I am today.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to share my story professionally—focusing on educating and inspiring others without retraumatizing myself or my audience. I also developed a deeper understanding of ethics and what it means to be a good leader. These lessons gave me the confidence to embrace my potential and take on new challenges.
During the Alliance 8.7 program, I was privileged to be part of the process of developing Kenya’s roadmap to combat child labor, forced labor, and modern slavery. Initially, I doubted myself. I didn’t know if I could lead a team, and my past trauma made me feel like I was a nobody. I often felt like people only wanted to use my story without truly seeing me.
But Free the Slaves believed in me, and their support gave me the strength to step up. I fully participated in the roadmap development process, and when it was time to select cluster leaders, I was chosen to lead the Child Labor Cluster. This was a turning point for me. It was the moment I realized I could lead, that my voice and experience mattered.
As part of the roadmap journey, survivors came together and decided to form the Survivor Network Kenya—a space where we could support and advocate for each other. This network has become a powerful tool for survivors like me to amplify our voices and fight for our rights.
The advocacy skills I gained through Free the Slaves and the Alliance 8.7 process have transformed me. I have become a confident speaker, able to represent survivors in high-level meetings and advocate for change. I no longer feel like a victim—I feel like a leader.
I am deeply grateful to Free the Slaves for providing me with this incredible platform to grow and lead. Their dedication to empowering survivors has changed my life, and I pray that God continues to provide more resources for them and for the Survivor Network Kenya. Together, we have the potential to change the lives of many more survivors and bring hope to those who need it most.
Today, I am ready to fight for the rights of other survivors. My journey has shown me that our stories have power—not just to inspire others but to create real change. Thanks to the support and training I received, I am not just telling my story—I am living proof that survivors can lead and thrive.
💡 Your support makes journeys like Eileen’s possible. $500 funds survivor leadership training. $1800 funds a survivor’s participation in the Survivor Leadership Academy.
Donate Now to empower survivors and create lasting change!
Why Survivor Leadership Matters
Eileen’s journey is a powerful example of what happens when survivors are given the tools and opportunities to lead. At Free the Slaves, we know that survivors are not just participants in the fight against modern slavery—they are the driving force behind lasting solutions.
The Impact of Survivor-Centered Programs:
- Survivors bring unique insights that shape policies and programs to be more effective.
- Leadership training builds confidence and skills, empowering survivors to advocate for their rights.
- Survivor networks, like Survivor Network Kenya, create a supportive community and amplify collective voices.
In 2025, Free the Slaves aims to expand programs that:
- Provide survivors with advocacy training to lead in their communities.
- Support the formation of survivor-led networks that fight for systemic change.
- Collaborate with governments and organizations to ensure survivor voices are central to policy-making.
This work isn’t just about freeing individuals—it’s about creating a future where no one is enslaved, and every survivor has the chance to thrive.
💡Please support survivor-led networks like Survivor Network Kenya. Donate Today to support this critical work.
A Call to Action for 2025
As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on the progress made and the work still ahead. Eileen’s story reminds us that change is possible when survivors are empowered to lead.
Your support fuels this progress. With your help, we can:
- Train more survivors to become leaders.
- Expand advocacy programs that challenge exploitation.
- Build networks that amplify survivor voices on a global scale.
Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation. Together, we can break the chains of slavery and create a world where freedom and dignity are universal rights.
