Melody Towns’ mission to end sexual slavery attracts Pride of Australia Award nomination

SHE lives by the adage that everyday Australians can make a global difference — and Melody Towns is leading the way.

SHE lives by the adage that everyday Australians can make a global difference — and Melody Towns is leading the way.

Six years ago the Sandford mother set up a charity to raise funds and awareness about human trafficking, and every year it has doubled its reach and substantially increased the money raised.

The national charity Be Hers started with a team comprising 10 of Mrs Towns’ friends, and now there are 300 volunteers around the nation.

“People are starting to understand the cause and are feeling empowered to do something about it,” she said.

“We are raising awareness across Australia about human trafficking and empowering everyday women to use what’s in their hands to make a difference,” she said.

Her most recent charity event in Hobart attracted a sell-out crowd of 1000 women, with more upcoming events in Queensland and New South Wales.

Next year she will launch more Be Her Freedom awareness events in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.

Organising the events has taken on the load of a full-time job for Mrs Towns, but all of the work is unpaid.

Melody Towns and daughter Marley Towns in Hobart. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mrs Towns has been nominated for the Pride of Australia Award, in recognition of her selfless passion for helping others.

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Mrs Towns first learned about the millions of women and children trapped into sexual slavery globally after attending a conference by international aid organisation A21, and she was shocked into action.

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Mrs Towns recently travelled to Cambodia to see first-hand the tragic circumstances of some girls and women.

“I saw girls as young as eight who had been sexually exploited, it’s really confronting.”

The Be Her Freedom awareness events are targeted at women, and Mrs Towns said the issue of human trafficking struck a chord with women.

“Most women, at some stage of their lives, have felt a sense of vulnerability,” she said.

She said this empathy was also behind the band of volunteers growing around the country, as well as the many sponsors who offered support.

“So many people have been generous … everyone should be getting an award.”

Do you know a local hero who deserves to be recognised? Nominate them now at prideofaustralia.com.au