Women’s Empowerment Fuels Global Anti-Trafficking Movement

Women’s Empowerment Fuels Global Anti-Trafficking Movement

Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of NewsNation, recently celebrated remarkable women across the United States. This annual event, supported by Olay, highlights women making significant differences in their communities. This year, 25 women were chosen for a VIP trip to Nashville, with Nexstar donating $1000 to a charity of each woman’s choice. The highlight of the event was naming Becca Stevens as the 2026 Remarkable Woman of the Year.

Stevens’s work is deeply personal, born from her own childhood trauma. She transformed her experiences into a global movement called “Thistle Farms.” This nonprofit has spent 30 years fighting the trafficking and exploitation of women. It provides safe housing, job opportunities, and long-term support systems. Stevens has also started 13 other nonprofits, mentored over 70 organizations, and raised $90 million to support mission-driven work worldwide.

From Trauma to Global Impact

Becca Stevens, receiving the award, emphasized that it was a recognition for the entire Thistle Farms community. She stated, “It’s almost like a nice pause and celebration in a kind of just a larger passion for my life.” Stevens began working with survivors in 1997, driven by a clear mission to combat trafficking.

Stevens explained her focus on empowering women: “Working with small communities of women really affects everything. So it’s working with families, it’s working with the environment, it’s working with economics.” She believes investing in women heals communities. Her own background, having experienced traumatic violence, gave her a deep connection to women facing difficult circumstances, such as those on the streets or leaving incarceration.

While studying divinity at Vanderbilt University in the early 1990s, Stevens felt a strong call to improve the lives of women. The work began with providing housing in 1997. It quickly grew into a successful bath and body care company. This company now sells millions of dollars worth of high-quality products across the country. The products are designed to be life-giving to both the users and the makers.

Thistle Farms: A Model of Empowerment

Thistle Farms employs about 120 people. It supports 72 sister communities in the U.S. and has 46 global partners. The organization sources essential oils, manufactures products, and manages distribution. Crucially, Stevens highlighted that the work is done “alongside heroic women who have overcome so much.” Many leadership roles within Thistle Farms are held by program graduates. These women, who have experienced exploitation, are now taking on roles as leaders and healers themselves.

One inspiring story shared was of a woman trafficked from the age of six. After entering the Thistle Farms program and surviving cancer, she earned an undergraduate and then a graduate degree. She got married and her children are now attending college. This woman now directs all residential services and the national network for Thistle Farms. In 2013, Nicholas Kristof of The New York Times wrote about her, calling her the “Mom of the Year” for her impact on her community and family, breaking cycles of hardship.

The Power of Community and Support

Reflecting on her own journey through childhood trauma, Stevens credited community as the ultimate healing force. “I always knew instinctively that community can heal,” she stated. While she did not have the added burden of family abuse, she had loving parents and received scholarships from church women. These individuals provided purpose and support throughout her high school years. She emphasized the need for people to have someone who says, “I’ll help you. Tell your story.” This principle guides the mission of Thistle Farms.

Global Impact and Future Outlook

The recognition of Becca Stevens and Thistle Farms by Nexstar underscores a growing global awareness of the need to support survivors of trafficking and exploitation. By focusing on economic empowerment, safe housing, and community support, Thistle Farms offers a powerful model for healing and rebuilding lives. The organization’s success demonstrates that investing in women, particularly those who have faced severe trauma, can lead to profound positive change not only for individuals but for entire communities.

The $90 million raised and the network of 72 U.S. communities and 46 global partners show the reach of this grassroots movement. Stevens’s work highlights a critical aspect of international development: empowering women as agents of change. This approach tackles complex issues like poverty, gender inequality, and exploitation at their roots. The continued growth of Thistle Farms suggests a future where more women gain the tools and support needed to overcome adversity and lead in their own healing and community development.

Source: Becca Stevens named Nexstar's 'Remarkable Woman of the Year' | Elizabeth Vargas Reports (YouTube)