Reflecting on freedom, then and now

National Freedom Day marks the moment a resolution was signed that helped pave the way towards the abolition of slavery in the United States. It is an important historical milestone, but it is also an invitation to pause and think more deeply about what freedom truly means in everyday life, and who is still working hard to claim it.

At Anah Project, this day feels especially meaningful. Much of our work centres on women whose freedom has been limited not by law, but by control, fear, expectation, and silence. For them, freedom is not an abstract idea; it is something that affects daily choices, safety, and wellbeing.

‘Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window’ (1657) – Johannes Vermeer. 

Freedom beyond history books

While slavery was formally abolished, the effects of control and inequality did not simply disappear. Instead, they changed shape and found new ways to exist. Today, many women experience restrictions that are hidden from view, taking place behind closed doors and within relationships that are meant to feel safe.

Freedom, in this sense, is not only about legal rights. It is about being able to live without fear, to make decisions without intimidation, and to feel safe expressing your thoughts, beliefs, and boundaries. For women experiencing domestic abuse or honour-based abuse, freedom often begins with understanding that what they are facing is not acceptable and that support does exist.

‘Liberty Leading the People’ (1830) – Eugène Delacroix

 

An ongoing journey, not a finished moment

National Freedom Day reminds us that change is rarely instant or complete. Laws matter, but they do not automatically undo generations of inequality or dismantle harmful social norms. Black and minoritised women, in particular, often face additional obstacles when seeking help, including stigma, racism, language barriers, or fear of being misunderstood or judged.

These challenges are not personal shortcomings. They reflect systems that still have work to do. True freedom means building support services and communities that listen, adapt, and respond with care and understanding.

Everyday acts of courage

Freedom does not always arrive in dramatic moments. More often, it grows quietly. It can begin with a conversation, a question, or a decision to reach out for help. At Anah Project, we see these small but powerful steps every day, taken by women who are beginning to imagine a life that feels safer and more hopeful.

Choosing to speak, to seek support, or to set a boundary can be an act of courage. Over time, these choices help women reconnect with their sense of self and regain control over their own lives.

“The Gleaners” (1857) – Jean-François Millet

Freedom grows when we support one another

Freedom is strengthened through connection. It grows when communities challenge harmful traditions, when services recognise the diverse realities women face, and when survivors are treated with dignity and respect. National Freedom Day encourages all of us to think not only about the past, but about the present and the future.

It invites us to ask gentle but important questions. Are there people around us who feel trapped or unheard? Are there assumptions or expectations that limit others’ choices? And what can we do, individually and collectively, to create spaces where freedom feels possible?

“Hope” (1903) – George Frederic Watts

Holding freedom with care

On 1 February, we remember the struggle that led to the abolition of slavery, while also acknowledging that the work of creating freedom continues in many forms. At Anah Project, we remain committed to standing alongside Black and minoritised women, offering support, understanding, and advocacy as they move towards lives defined by safety and choice.

Freedom is not just about the past. It is about how we show up today, how we listen, and how we care for one another.