Sonya Passi, the Founder and CEO of FreeFrom, is a passionate advocate for survivors of gender-based violence. In this engaging discussion, she shares her journey from entrepreneurship to activism, revealing how personal experiences fueled her commitment to drive change. Sonya highlights her documentary 'Survivor Made,' showcasing the resilience of survivors and the importance of financial independence. She also emphasizes the need for systemic change in supporting survivors and opens up about redefining workplace standards to prioritize employee well-being.
Sonya Passi's activism began early, influenced by her entrepreneurial parents, leading her to focus on gender-based violence and social justice.
FreeFrom addresses economic insecurity for survivors of intimate partner violence by providing financial assistance and support for survivor entrepreneurs.
The documentary 'Survivor Made' aims to reshape narratives around survivors by emphasizing their resilience and the power of community support.
Deep dives
Sonia Passi's Activism Journey
Sonia Passi's journey into activism began at a young age, deeply influenced by her entrepreneurial parents and early exposure to social justice issues. Starting with an illustrated bookmark business at five, she transitioned into creating a high school activist group focused on violence awareness. Inspired by prominent figures in her youth, including human rights advocates, she recognized gender-based violence as a pressing global issue. This awareness led her to establish a lifelong commitment to helping others, ultimately shaping her role in founding organizations like Free From.
The Foundation of Free From
Free From, founded by Sonia Passi, addresses the intersections of gender-based violence and economic insecurity, emphasizing that financial stability is crucial for survivors. The organization provides direct financial assistance, savings matching programs, and support for survivor entrepreneurs through initiatives like Gifted. This focus stems from the understanding that economic abuse is often a barrier to safety and recovery for survivors. By tackling the economic challenges faced by survivors, Free From aims to create a sustainable pathway to independence.
Creating Systemic Change
Free From operates as a systems change organization, advocating for policy reforms at various levels to enhance financial security for survivors of domestic violence. This includes pushing for paid leave policies for survivors and collaborating with financial institutions to improve their support mechanisms. They have also analyzed state laws to identify barriers to economic security for survivors, leading to the introduction of over 600 legislative proposals. By fostering a collaborative approach, Free From seeks to unify efforts across different sectors to create lasting change in societal attitudes and support systems.
The Survivor Made Documentary
Sonia Passi produced the documentary 'Survivor Made' to shift the narrative around gender-based violence by highlighting the resilience of survivors and the power of community support. The film showcases the journey of survivor entrepreneurs participating in Gifted, aiming to break the cycle of violence through empowerment and economic opportunity. By ensuring that the storytelling reflects survivors' journeys without focusing on trauma, the film offers a refreshing perspective aimed at engagement and education. This approach reinforces Free From's mission to trust and support survivors beyond their victimization.
Vision for the Future
Sonia Passi envisions a long-term commitment to ending gender violence, recognizing that the journey requires consistent efforts over generations. The call to action emphasizes the need for community support and coordination among various stakeholders to tackle this issue effectively. By bolstering survivor services and advocating for systemic reforms, the mission aims to reshape perceptions and establish a stronger support framework. Through this vision, Passi emphasizes that change is possible if individuals and organizations commit to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for survivors.
Sonya Passi is the Founder & CEO of FreeFrom, a national organization transforming our society’s response to gender-based violence. She joins to discuss her new documentary SURVIVOR MADE and her advocacy work, creating a community where survivors of intimate partner violence can heal, thrive, and drive change together.
