Thuy Phan/Nguoi Viet
Since Senhoa Foundation first opened its doors in 2007 to help trafficked women and children in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, things have changed, and for the better. Sales of their jewelry line that benefits the survivors of abuse and trafficking have soared, and the number of people they’ve been able to help have also risen. And this May, they are hoping to continue that trend.
One of Senhoa’s many jewelry designs made by survivors of human trafficking and abuse. (Photo: John D. Russell Photography)
Senhoa Foundation has teamed up with the QR8 Group to launch their “Glam It Forward” campaign in order to help build awareness and celebrate the inner and outer beauty of gifting.
The way it works is this: Women will be encouraged to gift Senhoa jewelry to their family, friends, and loved ones. The recipient will be asked to take a photo of herself/ himself wearing the jewelry, and post it on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, tag whomever s/he choose to challenge/gift on this post, and use the tag line, “It feels great to #GlamItForward and gift for #Senhoa. I challenge @JaneDo to do the same.”
Their new initiative, Glam It Forward hopes to engage people through social media. (Photo: Senhoa/Facebook)
This campaign is the brainchild of QR8 founder Quyenzi Pham, who said she was inspired to partner up after seeing her parents give back to the community through social work and volunteering efforts.
“In this day and age, social media allows you to share a moment with others instantaneously by tagging,” explained Pham. “We’ve used this platform often for other clients who need to share their product or services online to specific audiences, and this message needed to go viral.”
Pham said proceeds will go directly to benefit survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. Lisa T.D. Nguyen, founder and executive director of Senhoa, said through email she was excited to collaborate on this campaign and is proud of how much the foundation has grown and changed, even though their mission remains the same.
A young girl in Senhoa’s program works on an intricate piece of jewelry. (Photo: Senhoa/Facebook)
“We have broadened our reach to also work with “vulnerable persons” and not just survivors of human trafficking,” said Nguyen. “This way, we are able to work with women who have experienced all forms of gender-based violence (rape, gang rape, domestic violence, acid attacks). Our model has also changed to working in partnership with local partners to help keep Senhoa’s programs culturally-sensitive and with an emphasis on local capacity building for sustainability.”
The Glam It Forward program will run from May through September. Supporters who wish to gift will be offered a 10% discount off of their entire purchase (exclusive of tax and shipping) by using the code: glamitforward. For more information, you can go to www.senhoa.org.
