Voice of Freedom works with people who have escaped trafficking and torture, bringing the voices of the enslaved to a wide public for the first time. The project enables survivors to document their lives, feelings and experiences through the camera lens, and supports them as they create texts in their own words to accompany the images.

A woman photographs the sea during a Voice of Freedom workshop / © Leila Segal
Workshop by the sea

‘Without projects like this, I could not think about my future. Without an opportunity like this, I simply could not be here, be there, be anywhere’ – Fruit of love

Voice of Freedom works within the discipline of participatory photography – a recognised tool for advocacy and social activism. Participants are supported as they create their own photographic work – a facilitator works with the group, teaching them to use a camera so they can define, communicate and improve their situation.

‘It is really dangerous in Albania and women don’t want to go back. After so much suffering, they got away. The women try to explain what happened to them, but people don’t understand. I know girls who have harmed themselves and committed suicide because of the harsh time, but you have to wait. Try to do things carefully and not be part of the danger.’ – Chloe

The survivors are given the opportunity to become activists and educators. We build long-term relationships with our participants, and will continue work with some of the women who are returning to Ethiopia, supporting them in their home communities as they educate other young people who are at risk of trafficking.

Voice of Freedom is a charity. All of our funding goes directly into carrying out our mission – the support and empowerment of trafficked people through participatory photography workshop programmes and exhibitions of their work. 

'Trafficked women are used like dolls, without spirit or feelings.' / Photo © Nili Cupi
‘Trafficked women are used like dolls, without spirit or feelings.’ ~ Chloe

‘I had thought about it myself – that I would portray the experience, and teach others. That’s what I was planning to
do when I go back to Ethiopia. It doesn’t matter what
the consequences are – whatever demands it makes, I’ll do it because I just have to tell the story.’ – Zenebech Zeleke

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Email voicefreedomproject@gmail.com

All photographs sole copyright the photographer

‘Workshop by the sea’ © Desta Getaneh, 2013. /Voice of Freedom/PhotoVoice
‘They kill girls’ © Chloe, 2015. /Voice of Freedom/PhotoVoice
‘Dolls’ © Chloe, 2015. /Voice of Freedom/PhotoVoice

Registered Charity Number (England and Wales):  1189297

Registered as a non-profit company limited by guarantee in England and Wales, company number: 10957337

Registered Office: c/o Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (Uk) Llp, 40 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5DS7 

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