We are committed to representing survivors' stories in a respectful, dignified, accurate and empowering way.

That's why, on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we've signed Freedom United's My Story, My Dignity Pledge.

Raising awareness of the lived experience of modern slavery and human trafficking is essential if we are going to make progress to end it, but too often, survivors' stories are told with disempowering language and images. 

These images and lanuage can unintentionally create or reinforce stereotypes and further victimise survivors.

We commit to the principles of the My Story, My Dignity pledge: ​

• Choose respectful images that are representative of the issue
• Use strength-based language that accurately represents the story, avoiding sensationalist language
• Respect survivors' right to privacy and dignity
• Obtain prior consent to using a personal story or photograph, be transparent and accurate about the process and how it will be used

How are we putting the pledge into practice?

We ensure images used in our communications are respectful and honest. We do not publish identifying photos of children and seek informed consent before sharing a photo or video of a survivor. In our campaigns, we are careful that our use of stock photos accurately reflects the circumstances of the women and girls we support.

Our partner, Asha Nepal's philosophy is to work with, rather than for survivors. Surivors are involved in the development and improvement of Asha's services. One example is Asha's transition from a large group home to family based care, similar to foster care, driven by survivors' feedback on the type of care they needed to build healthy, dignified lives.

Asha facilitates a child club, elected and managed by children, where children have an opportunity to discuss their rights and contribute to the development of Asha's work.

Asha aims to recruit their staff from women who have been through their programs. Currently their library assistant, nurse, computer teacher, finance assistant and tutors are alumnae.

We recognise there is more work to be done. Project Didi is in the final stages of drafting its safeguarding policy which will guide our organisational decisions to ensure the prevention of any form of sexual, physical, and emotional harassment, abuse, and exploitation. We look forward to working with our partners in Nepal to ensure the principles of safeguarding are effectively communicated and embedded into our work.