As momentum builds in the global fight against child exploitation, anti-trafficking organisation Destiny Rescue is sharing the stories of three women helping drive its mission forward.
From leadership and advocacy to survival and recovery, their experiences offer a powerful insight into the people behind the mission and the real-world impact of a crisis affecting millions of vulnerable women and children.
Supporting survivors from within
For Denise Jensen, supporting Destiny Rescue's mission means ensuring the organisation's teams are equipped to carry out the critical work of rescuing children from exploitation globally.
Now serving as Chief People and Culture Officer, Denise brings more than a decade of experience in human resources and leadership development, helping foster a culture where staff are supported, encouraged and empowered in their roles.
"Leadership isn't about coming in with all the answers," she said.
"It's about listening, encouraging others and building the support structures that help people thrive. When we genuinely care for our people, teams can achieve incredible things."
Her commitment to the cause was shaped through years spent working with women and children across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, where she witnessed firsthand the realities of exploitation.
A defining moment came during a visit to Cambodia, where she spent time with a group of young girls living in a home.
"They did my hair and we laughed and spent time together," she said. "But I remember noticing one little girl who was only five years old. She had a deep sadness in her eyes and didn't speak at all."
Only later did Denise learn the home was for girls who had been rescued from sexual exploitation by Destiny Rescue.
"What I hadn't realised at the time was that every one of those girls had experienced exploitation, including that beautiful five-year-old girl," she said.
"I couldn't comprehend what she had endured, but I could see the older girls beginning to rediscover joy and hope. That moment changed something in me."
That experience led Denise into the anti-trafficking space, where she supported Destiny Rescue as a donor for many years before eventually joining the organisation.
"Now, on the other side, seeing firsthand how effective the work is, I feel incredibly grateful," she said. "Years later, I now have the privilege of working with Destiny Rescue, where that first spark was lit."
For Denise, reflecting on International Women's Day is also an opportunity to recognise the many courageous women working quietly on the front lines.
"Last year I spent time with our team of border agents in Nepal, a group of fearless women who stand at the borders every day working to prevent people from being trafficked," she said.
"They may not always be seen, but they are making an incredible impact. They are the women I celebrate everyday."
Racing to raise awareness
Beyond the organisation, supporters are using their own platforms to bring attention to Destiny Rescue's cause.
For motor sport enthusiast Tammie Soole, racing has become both a personal pursuit and a platform to raise awareness on human trafficking.
Soole began building her own race car as part of her recovery from PTSD, documenting the six-month process online through her Instagram series, How to Build a Race Car with No Money. What began as a personal challenge soon became an opportunity to use her growing platform for something bigger.
Three years ago, after learning about Destiny Rescue's work, Soole said the organisation's mission strongly resonated with her.
"As a woman, I'm very aware of the vulnerabilities we face," she said. "For women and children in underprivileged countries, those risks are even greater because they often don't have the systems or voices to protect them."
At the 2026 Canberra Festival of Speed, Soole drove a car featuring Destiny Rescue's branding prominently on the bonnet, using the platform to spark conversations about the organisation's work among motor sport fans and spectators.
"When I was designing the livery, I knew that space on the car had to stand for something bigger than a brand," she said.
"I wanted my car to be more than a vehicle for speed. I wanted it to be a vehicle for awareness."
"Using that high octane environment to discuss the protection of vulnerable women and children was a deliberate choice."
In Soole's case, the idea of "Give to Gain" has played out personally, with the process of building the car supporting her own recovery while also creating a platform to raise awareness for others.
A survivor rebuilding her future
At the centre of Destiny Rescue's efforts are the survivors whose lives are changed through rescue and long-term support.
One of those survivors, known as Em, was forced into bar work after being sold into exploitation as a teenager in northern Thailand.
At an age where she should have been safe and supported, Em was instead expected to compromise herself to earn money to send home. Isolated and overwhelmed, she endured what she describes as a burden that was "too much to carry."
Em's situation remained unchanged until Destiny Rescue undercover agents intervened and asked if she wanted to leave. She said yes.
That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter. Since her rescue, Em has begun the long process of rebuilding her life through programs designed to help survivors regain stability, independence and a sense of identity.
She is now learning to see herself differently, rebuilding not only her circumstances, but her sense of worth.
Em's story reflects the experiences of many vulnerable women and girls around the world who remain unseen, but also the strength required to move forward after exploitation.
Reflecting on International Women's Day, Destiny Rescue says it is Em's resilience, the courage to step out of exploitation and begin again, that continues to inspire.
A global movement
Destiny Rescue works around the world to rescue children from sexual exploitation and help them stay free through reintegration, education and empowerment programs.
Across its global community, from staff and supporters to survivors themselves, the organisation says change is driven by people willing to use what they have to make a difference.
As conversations continue beyond International Women's Day, these collective efforts reflect the spirit of "Give to Gain", demonstrating how individual action can create lasting impact for others while shaping lives in return.
