Women who have survived sex trafficking, and who are seeking to contribute to the economy and reintegrate into a community, are often extremely resilient, creative, resourceful, determined and willing to take a risk, characteristics shared with successful entrepreneurs. Equally, entrepreneurship can reach people in a way formal education cannot. HERA therefore provides a nine-month programme of entrepreneurial training and mentoring, aiming to help the women to make the most of their strengths.

HERA aims to give women the self-belief, confidence, plans and framework to become active members of the economic and social community. By harnessing their skills, creativity and entrepreneurialism as a new contribution to the economy, it helps some of the most exploited and vulnerable women in London to regain their potential, to move past welfare support, and to pursue an independent future.

The Poppy Project and Street Talk identify women from among their beneficiaries who are interested in this initiative. HERA then matches them with mentors, and provides a high-quality programme of training through Imperial College Business School. Our goal is that each of the formerly trafficked women and those exiting prostitution may achieve “Her Equality, Rights and Autonomy”.