Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) is honoured to have two inspirational staff members shortlisted for
this year’s high-profile Anti-Slavery Day Awards, taking place in London on Tuesday 15 th October.
Louise Brown and Rose Makilagi are competing in different categories of The Marsh Awards for
Outstanding Contribution to the Fight Against Modern Slavery.
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 been shortlisted in for the prestigious anti-slavery 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 Anti-Slavery Day 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.”
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 skillfully 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
