Survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence (GBV) frequently face significant financial vulnerability, heightening their risk of experiencing further acts of violence and exploitation. This can manifest in various ways, including a lack of employment opportunities, insufficient savings, burdensome debt, and significant pressures from their families. However, there are few economic empowerment programs for survivors that are holistic and evidence-based. Some organizations provide economic interventions, but the majority do not include asset-building or financial counseling for participants. Prior research conducted by Eleison has identified savings and financial management skill building as important priorities for survivors themselves.
Barug, which means “to strongly stand up” in Cebuano, is one of the two economic empowerment programs developed by Eleison for survivors and their family members in the Philippines. It is a two-year matched savings program that directly responds to the need for survivor-centered and trauma-informed economic empowerment interventions that help survivors strengthen their safety nets. The program utilizes a three-pronged approach:
- Matched savings program: Eleison matches the savings of Barug participants at a 1:1 ratio. The matched funds can be used for education, medical care, family and personal emergencies, housing repairs, and employment-related expenses.
- Financial literacy training (FLT): This skills-building course covers savings, budgeting, debt management, financial negotiation with family members and peers, and emotional wellness and self-care.
- Individual and peer support sessions: Support sessions provide survivors with an opportunity to revisit their goals, discuss progress toward achieving goals, learn from their peers, and experience a supportive peer community.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic and economic downturn, Eleison is proud to have facilitated successful Barug program cohorts and empowered survivors in their financial journeys. Three months after its commencement in September 2022, participants in the recent Barug cohort graduated from our FLT on January 22, 2023. During the graduation ceremony, a Barug participant shared:
“The Barug Financial Literacy Training Program has helped me learn the necessary skills for managing my finances. Throughout the training, I became conscious of saving, budgeting, and negotiating. I can see the difference between who I was before and who I am now in terms of financial management. For me, good financial management is now a form of self-care. I thank the Eleison Foundation for this wonderful program.”
Barug fosters greater financial freedom for survivors, and the recent graduates are a testament to its success. We look forward to continuing to support these survivors toward economic empowerment by building their assets, growing their savings, and enhancing their financial independence and autonomy.
To learn more about Barug, you can read our prior research or donate here.
