Cebu

Cebu is a province of the Philippines in the country’s Central Visayas region. It is home to over 922,000 people. It was the first Spanish settlement and the first capital of the Philippines. Cebu City has been the destination for this insidious activity for some time.

Creating Change for Women Through Advocacy

The Good Shepherd Welcome House was established by the Villa Maria Good Shepherd Sisters in 2007 in a most strategic place accessible for client- beneficiaries in Cebu City. The main objectives are – to walk gently with young women and children who are victimized by human traffickers through prostitution; to address deep seated trauma and sexual exploitation; to slowly restore their self-esteem; and also to contribute to the global fight against human trafficking and prostitution.

This new project which is supported by Mercy Works aims to train women who have left prostitution to become advocates against human trafficking. At a systemic level it also aims to build stronger relationships with local city and province officials to start a dialogue to help women access education, employment and a range of health services.

Mercy Works is very pleased to be in partnership with the Villa Maria Good Shepherd Sisters in supporting this project in Cebu City.