Case Study

e-commerce training for female survivors of human trafficking

THE CHALLENGE

Empowerment Square, a nonprofit based in New York and founded by a human trafficking survivor, helps female survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives from the ground up by offering a safe and inclusive space to learn language, professional, and social skills, build their community, and share their strengths.

Female survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence often have limited employment options as a result of language barriers and safety concerns about being re-trafficked. Providing an alternate and safe pathway for them to generate income is vital.

THE INNOVATION

Venture 2 Impact partnered with Microsoft through its annual Give Campaign, to deliver a comprehensive training session about launching e-commerce platforms to Empowerment Square staff, volunteers, advisory members, and female survivors. Their end goal is developing Village Square, an online marketplace that will provide support and opportunities for female survivors of human trafficking.

The training focused on four key areas:

1. E-commerce sector overview

2. E-commerce sector best practices

3. Introduction to SEO and how to leverage it

4. Planning tips to launch e-commerce platform

THE IMPACT

100% of the participants reported that they now have an increased understanding of the e-commerce sector
100% of the participants reported that they now have an increased understanding of e-commerce best practices
100% of the participants feel they now have an increased understanding of a next step required to launch Village Square
All participants rated their overall experience partnering with V2I as 4/5 or 5/5

NGO Partner testimonial

“We learned a great deal and received valuable training that not only improved our grasp of e-commerce best practices but also laid the groundwork for future steps.”

Ansa NoreenFounder and Executive Director of Empowerment Square

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Volunteer testimonials

“When I came across this project, I felt moved by its mission and story as I’m passionate about empowering others, especially women. After meeting with V2I and Empowerment Square and learning about what they’re doing to help survivors rebuild their lives, I was even more thrilled and honored to be helping with a great cause and I’m looking forward to other ways I can be involved as a volunteer.”

“For a while now, I’ve been wanting to use my skills for social good. When I found out about this project, it seemed like a great learning experience and introduction to working with non-profit organizations. In doing research on the project and learning more about V2I and Empowerment Square, I learned so much and am honored to be able to contribute to such an incredible cause.”

“As I browsed through ‘Hack for Good’ projects, this project touched by heart - empowering women who are impacted by human trafficking is very fulfilling. Hearing about the challenges such women face was quite emotional. So glad to see that there are non-profits like Empowerment Square who are truly working towards understanding the gaps and empowering such women to stand up on their own and be financially independent. V2I is playing a major role in connecting such non-profits with the right skilled volunteers to help in their mission. I feel truly blessed to have an opportunity to lend a small hand in this big mission.”