A few weeks ago, we hosted Reflecting Light: Freely in Hope’s 14th Anniversary Gala that brought together supporters, advocates, and changemakers to highlight the vital work of Freely in Hope. Together, we addressed the pervasive issue of sexual abuse and the cultural practices that perpetuate it such as female genital mutilation, child marriage, and patriarchal norms that deny girls and women their basic rights. These harmful cultural norms increase the risk of exploitation and limit access to the resources needed for girls to thrive. But at Freely in Hope, survivor-leaders are creating new pathways toward hope for themselves and for their communities.
From dark to day
To learn more about the incredible leadership of survivors, attendees journeyed through immersive art galleries through dark, dawn, and day.
The Dark Gallery at the gala was a powerful, immersive experience that confronted the hidden realities of sexual abuse. It invited attendees to listen, feel, and reflect on the deep emotional, psychological, spiritual, physical, and relational wounds caused by abuse. In places like Kenya and Zambia, where Freely in Hope operates, cultural stigmas, gender norms, and socio-economic challenges amplify the vulnerability of young girls. These girls’ voices have often been silenced, but the gallery provided a space for their stories to be heard and acknowledged.
The Dawn Gallery, in contrast, showcased stories of resilience and hope. It highlighted how education can illuminate the path from darkness to healing, empowering survivors to reclaim their lives. In this space, guests met Freely in Hope’s scholars and alumni, women who have transformed their trauma into leadership and now serve as powerful advocates in their communities. Each story was a testament to the power of the survivor’s spirit and the transformative role education plays in fostering empowerment.
The Day Gallery shined a light on the innovative leadership of survivors, proving that together, we can build a world free of sexual abuse. As the gathering place for all, the Day Gallery was a catalyst for connection, encouraging mutual support and illuminating shared experiences. Under this sun, we agreed to advocate for a world that uplifts survivors—envisioning a brighter future for us all.
INSPIRING STORIES OF HOPE
The Gala was led by Lydia Matioli and Jean Nangwala, Freely in Hope alumni who are now community advocates and staff members at Freely in Hope.
Lydia Matioli, born and raised in Kibera, Africa’s largest slum, has firsthand experience with sexual abuse, lack of education, and poverty. Today, as Freely in Hope’s Programs and Partnerships Director, Lydia builds platforms for survivors to become community leaders. After giving birth to her daughter, Lydia’s mission to create a safer world led to the publication of her first children’s book, Pendo’s Power, an illustrated guide that helps children recognize and report abuse.
Jean, who grew up in Linda, Lusaka, is a survivor of multiple forms of abuse. Today, she is an advocate for healing, creating safe spaces for survivors to share their experiences and seek support. As a Board Member at the United Nations Association in San Francisco, Jean’s advocacy has a global reach. She is the creator of Reclaim, a support group for survivors of sexual abuse, where participants can process trauma, rebuild their sense of self, and begin the journey toward healing.
A GLOBAL VOICE: ROWENA CHIU
We had the privilege of hosting another inspiring survivor—Rowena Chiu. As a global thought leader and one of the survivors of Harvey Weinstein, she a key voice in the global fight against sexual abuse. From being assaulted as the assistant to Harvey Weinstein, to courageously sharing her experience as a survivor, Rowena has been an instrumental leader in the #MeToo movement. Her story has sparked vital conversations about power dynamics and exploitation, shining a light on the often-hidden realities of sexual abuse. Rowena’s voice urged attendees to respond to the issues of sexual abuse both at home and abroad.
We must acknowledge how our support of survivors has the potential to impact those near to us, like close family or friends, and to those far from us, like survivor leaders across Kenya and Zambia.
A CALL TO ACTION
Closing the program by singing the classic, “Lean On Me,” Freely in Hope’s 14th Anniversary Gala reminded us that we must come together to inspire hope, build connections, and encourage collective action. Education remains a powerful tool in the fight against sexual abuse, and Freely in Hope’s holistic support equips survivors with everything they need to thrive.
Your donations allow us to continue empowering survivors of sexual violence who are transforming their communities and creating a brighter future for the next generation. Together, we can be the light that shines in the darkness, building a world where every girl can dream, learn, and lead without fear. Thank you for reflecting light in our world! Donate today! Visit our campaign page to track our progress!
