Voice of the Free

Voice of the Free (VOTF), formerly known as the Visayan Forum Foundation, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization in the Philippines that is dedicated to the welfare of marginalized sectors, with a particular focus on the rights and protection of Filipino women and children. Established in 1991, Voice of the Free has been at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking, modern slavery, and exploitation, employing a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, intervention, and advocacy efforts.

History

Voice of the Free was founded by Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, a former freedom fighter and political detainee during the Martial Law era. Drawing from her experiences of struggle and resilience, Oebanda aimed to create an organization that would address the systemic issues leading to the exploitation of vulnerable populations. Since its inception, Voice of the Free has evolved from focusing on the rights of domestic workers to a broader agenda that encompasses the fight against all forms of human trafficking and exploitation.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Voice of the Free is to empower the marginalized and exploited sectors of society through advocacy, direct intervention, and social mobilization. Its vision is a world free of slavery, where every individual's rights and dignity are respected and protected.

Programs and Services

Voice of the Free implements various programs and services aimed at preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, and empowering survivors. These include:

• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Conducting seminars and workshops to educate the public, especially vulnerable communities, about the risks and realities of human trafficking.
• Rescue and Rehabilitation: Collaborating with law enforcement agencies to rescue victims of trafficking and providing them with shelter, counseling, and rehabilitation services.
• Legal Assistance: Offering legal support to victims of trafficking and exploitation to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
• Livelihood and Skills Training: Providing survivors with skills training and livelihood opportunities to help them rebuild their lives and prevent re-victimization.

Advocacy and Impact

Voice of the Free has been instrumental in advocating for stronger policies and laws to combat human trafficking in the Philippines. It played a key role in the passage of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, which provides the legal framework for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of human trafficking cases in the country.

The organization's efforts have been recognized both locally and internationally, earning various awards and commendations for its contribution to the fight against modern slavery.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its achievements, Voice of the Free faces ongoing challenges, including limited resources, the evolving tactics of traffickers, and the need for greater public awareness and cooperation. Moving forward, the organization aims to strengthen its programs, expand its reach, and continue to advocate for policies that protect the rights and welfare of the most vulnerable.

See Also

• Human trafficking in the Philippines
• Modern slavery
• Child labor
• Women's rights in the Philippines