18th October marks Anti-Slavery Day

18th October marks Anti-Slavery Day, a day to remember the past, confront the present, and commit to a future where freedom and dignity are a reality for all. While slavery is often taught as a distant historical atrocity, its echoes remain with us today—both in the systemic inequalities that persist and in the modern forms of exploitation that continue to trap millions. For Black and minoritised women, these layers of history and present-day reality intersect in ways that demand reflection, understanding, and action.

The Hidden Stories of Enslaved Women

When we think of slavery, we often picture the brutality endured by men in the fields. But what of the women who laboured alongside them—or bore burdens of their own, often overlooked in history? Enslaved women faced a unique combination of physical labour, domestic toil, and relentless oppression. They were expected to work the fields, tend homes, care for children, and yet, on top of these demands, many suffered sexual exploitation and violence. Their bodies, their choices, their very existence were treated as commodities.

And yet, within these unimaginable hardships, enslaved women displayed incredible resilience. They preserved cultural traditions, nurtured family bonds, and found ways to resist, even when resistance carried grave risk. They whispered songs of freedom, passed down stories of heritage, and, when possible, fled captivity. Can we imagine the courage it took to protect one’s dignity in such circumstances? How might we honour that courage in our communities today?

Acts of Resistance

Resistance was not always grand or visible. Some women escaped, disguising themselves, or hiding in plain sight. Others resisted in subtle ways—working slowly, feigning illness, or defying commands whenever possible. These small acts of defiance were powerful assertions of autonomy in a system designed to strip it away.

Many enslaved women also became voices for change. They bore witness to injustice, shared their stories, and participated in the abolitionist movement, often at great personal risk. Their bravery reminds us that resistance takes many forms, and that courage can be quiet yet transformative.

Reflect for a moment: If faced with impossible odds, how might you find the strength to resist? How can the legacy of these women inspire action against injustice today?

The Legacy Lives On

The influence of enslaved women extends far beyond their lifetimes. Their resilience shaped families, communities and cultures. Their stories are woven into the fabric of history, informing contemporary struggles for equality, justice, and recognition. Yet, too often, these narratives remain overlooked or underrepresented. How many of us have learned of the enslaved women whose courage sustained generations? How can we ensure their voices are finally heard and remembered?

Modern Slavery: Then and Now

Slavery is not merely a chapter in history books. Modern slavery persists in the UK and worldwide, taking the form of human trafficking, forced labour, and sexual exploitation. Women and girls—particularly from minoritised communities—are disproportionately affected. The same patterns of coercion, control, and dehumanisation seen centuries ago continue to emerge today, though often hidden in plain sight.

Anah Project works to support women and girls escaping all forms of abuse, offering refuge, guidance, and advocacy. Reflecting on the horrors of the past illuminates the importance of this work: every woman who escapes modern exploitation carries the courage of those who came before her.

Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future

Anti-Slavery Day challenges us to look inward and outward. It asks us to acknowledge the suffering endured, the lives stolen, and the courage displayed by enslaved women. It also asks us to confront contemporary injustices and ask difficult questions:

• How can we spot exploitation before it escalates?
• In what ways can we support survivors in reclaiming autonomy over their lives?
• What steps can we take as individuals and communities to dismantle the systems that allow modern slavery to persist?

By answering these questions, we honour the resilience of women throughout history and commit to protecting freedom for generations to come.

Reflection and Action

On this Anti-Slavery Day, take a moment to reflect. Consider the stories of enslaved women—those you’ve learned about, those whose voices were silenced, and those whose courage shaped the world. Consider how history echoes in the lives of women today, particularly in Black and minoritised communities.

Ask yourself: How can I contribute to a world where no one is exploited, where every woman has dignity, safety, and choice? The fight against slavery is not just historical; it is present, urgent, and ongoing. By learning, listening, and acting, we can help build a future that truly honours the resilience of women past and present.