From Palermo to the World:

Uniting Voices to End Violence Against Women

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Restoration for All, Inc. (REFA), Village Wellness International, and AFEGE hosted a global webinar to launch the 16 Days of Activism. Under the theme Survivor Justice, Dignity, and Healing, advocates and leaders from North America, Africa, and Europe came together to confront human trafficking and gender-based violence.

Objectives and Outcomes

The event aimed to raise awareness, share proven strategies, center survivors' voices, and strengthen global partnerships. Detective Richard Shaw of the Toronto Police Service showed how his CARE team prevents youth exploitation through education, trusted relationships, and long-term support. Roseline Eguabor, a U.S. State Department TIP Hero Award recipient based in Palermo, Italy, explained how traffickers target girls denied education. She urged communities to educate mothers and to welcome survivors without judgment. Participants left with practical tools for recognizing warning signs and building local protection networks. The event also strengthened the partnership that will carry into the 2026 World Summit.

The Role of Village Wellness International

Village Wellness International was a driving force behind this event, and its work addresses human trafficking at every stage. The organization provides trauma-informed survivor support that restores safety and dignity. Its prevention education teaches youth and families to recognize traffickers' tactics, and its community training prepares leaders and service providers to spot warning signs and respond with compassion. Through advocacy, it pushes for systems that treat survivors with justice and care, not blame. Its mission rests on a simple truth: when the whole village is informed and committed, traffickers lose their power and survivors find their way to healing.

When survivors speak, justice listens. Solidarity over silence. Healing over harm.