Pathfinders Launches HERs (Hub of Economic Resources for Survivors) Project

We are excited to be launching Phase 1 of our innovative HERs (Hub of Economic Resources for Survivors) Project.  With support from the French Embassy to Nigeria’s PISCCA Programme, HERs is the first of its kind, a one-stop online and offline hub in Africa (starting in Nigeria) for all support required for women survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation to get back on their feet. HERs, which is survivor informed (in both its design and implementation), is the pathway that will anchor survivors on their journey to sustainable economic independence, to healing and to restorative justice.

This first phase, which is providing in-person support for 36 survivors in Nigeria’s sex trafficking hub- Benin City, Edo State, will proceed until December 2019.  Survivors will receive skills training in an area of their choice as well as start up capital to launch a small business (post training).  Medical care and counseling, in addition to professional training (provided at our drop in centre/learning lab) in accounting, marketing, social media and branding are also being provided to ensure that support is well rounded and holistic. Survivors will also be able to receive drop in services such as legal advice, assistance with CV preparation, counseling, interview preparation, job training, etc.

In Phase II of the Project (commencing in 2021), we will launch HERs Online, an online hub where survivors (regardless of where they are located in the world) will be able to securely log in remotely (online) to gain access to a supportive and thriving survivor community, a list of vetted jobs, online trainings on subjects such as mental health and regular migration, as well as information concerning the prosecution of cases, reporting mechanisms, available skills training centres, etc. Training videos will be available in several primary dialects.  HERs Online will include a mobile application as well as a marketplace for survivors to grow their businesses. 

To find out more or to support the HERS program, please email info@pathfindersji.org.