Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) was honoured to have two inspirational colleagues shortlisted for this year’s high-profile Anti-Slavery Day Awards, which took place in London on Tuesday, 15th October. Louise Brown and Rose Makilagi were nominated in different categories of The Marsh Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Fight Against Modern Slavery. We are delighted to share that Louise Brown received the award in the Reducing Vulnerabilities (Advocacy Award) category. 

The Anti-Slavery Awards were held on Tuesday night in the Speaker’s House, the official residence of the Speaker of the House of Commons. It was a rare moment of celebration and an opportunity to recognise our peers doing incredible, life-changing work. 

Innovative research and analysis on the global issue of human trafficking 

Louise Brown is the director of the Centre for the Analysis of Exploitation (CeAnEx), an innovative Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) project that aims to prevent, disrupt and reduce human trafficking and exploitation. She has won an award in the Reducing Vulnerabilities (Advocacy Award) category. 

Louise and her team initially help people when they are at their most vulnerable, require support with basic needs like food and shelter and can be fearful for their lives. Once she has gained their trust, she works tirelessly and relentlessly on longer-term outcomes for each victim/survivor. 

The analysis that the CeAnEx service develops as a result of these interventions helps organisations nationwide to better understand trafficking and exploitation. From Louise’s on-the-ground observations and her capturing of client voices, to her investigations into the recruitment of victims in their home countries, Louise’s evidence-based research is providing a more up-to-date and accurate picture of what is a rapidly-moving, international crime issue. Louise feels strongly that by only understanding the background and structural issues of modern slavery can we improve outcomes for survivors. 

 

Head of Modern Slavery recognised for rebuilding lives 

Rose Makilagi is BCWA’s Head of Modern Slavery Services and manages a team of 15 client advocates and outreach workers. Rose and her colleagues build trust with victims and offer comprehensive support, including advocacy, therapy, life skills development, education, training, and employment assistance. She ensures clients are well-informed about their rights and supports them in achieving successful, independent lives post-service. Her advocacy was instrumental in securing funding for Karen House, a modern slavery refuge that, in addition to accommodation, provides a safe and adaptable space for activities and counselling. 

Rose’s compassion, leadership, and relentless pursuit of justice make her an outstanding candidate for the Rebuilding Lives (Frontline Award). Her contributions reflect a deep commitment to fighting modern slavery, supporting victims, and driving systemic change through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering advocacy. 

“They deserve to be recognised on a national level for the work they do to transform lives.” 

Brian Marsh OBE, Chairman of the Marsh Charitable Trust said:

“Your commitment to Black Country Women’s Aid, and your additional efforts to prevent, disrupt and reduce human trafficking and exploitation, is exceptional and has been recognised by the judging panel as outstanding.”

 

Sara Ward, CEO of Black Country Women’s Aid said: 

 

“Louise and Rose share a strong personal commitment to improving the lives of people affected by exploitation both in the now as well as in their future. 

“Louise is flexible and responsive often dropping everything to accompany the police to a suspected sex work location where there may be vulnerable women. This goes beyond office hours and she will respond to connect with the women at any time of the day or night, including over the Christmas period. 

“Even after working long hours, Louise finds the time to learn Romanian to help win the trust of Romanian victims, currently the largest national grouping of trafficked women involved in sex work in the West Midlands. 

“As an academic, Louise understands that there also needs to be quality evidence-based, practice-led research and skilfully combines her passion for direct work with women and academic status to make change. 

“Rose is a tireless advocate for a holistic approach to supporting victims of modern slavery. Under her leadership, BCWA’s ‘one front door’ approach ensures that from the moment someone is referred, their immediate needs are met, they are stabilised, and their recovery journey begins. Her team provides integrated services, including emergency accommodation and resource packs with essential items like safe mobile phones, toiletries, and supermarket vouchers, which are vital in helping victims feel safe and supported. 

“Rose’s impact on the lives of modern slavery survivors is profound and personal. She has transformed many lives by providing tailored support that addresses both immediate and long-term needs. For example, she supported Adam*, a victim of forced labour, in securing legal representation and asylum. Adam now has refugee status, stable housing, and is pursuing further education while working as a support worker. 

“I am immensely proud of Louise and Rose, and indeed of all our staff, who work tirelessly to support victims of the global, devastating crime of modern slavery. They deserve to be recognised on a national level for the work they do to transform lives.” 

*Name has been changed