The World Freedom Network (WFN) has launched its Oceania arm and appointed Sarah Scott Webb as the Director of Oceania Freedom Network (OFN). This marks a significant milestone in their ongoing mission to combat slavery and human trafficking across the diverse region of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.

Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, Sarah founded and co-leads SIM International’s global anti-trafficking ministry, For Freedom. She also serves as the WEA Mission Commission’s Anti-trafficking Synergist and is a member of the Micah Global Community.

She has been involved in anti-trafficking since 2005 when she volunteered as a music therapist in Southeast Asia, helping 4-14yr old girls recover from the abuse and trauma of being sold and exploited. Since then, Sarah has worked in anti-trafficking roles with several NGOs, including five years as Operations Director for Hagar New Zealand. During this time, she was part of the Human Trafficking Research Coalition, investigating worker exploitation and trafficking in New Zealand. She has a Post Grad Diploma in Applied Theology, focusing on theological issues surrounding modern day slavery. She also has a Masters in International Relations (Deakin University), specialising in the legal, cultural and gender issues surrounding human trafficking.

In her current role with SIM she is developing an integrated prevention approach to human trafficking; providing training, support, and strategic guidance that equips workers and churches around the world to identify and protect the vulnerable in their communities. Seeing the church fulfill its mandate to care for and protect the vulnerable is something Sarah is passionate about. “We have an incredible opportunity as the church to both advocate for justice and become the protective support network those vulnerable to human trafficking desperately need,” Sarah says.

She is also passionate about trauma-informed care and for the past 12 months has been leading the European Freedom Network’s Trauma Response team, providing training and resources to churches and volunteers throughout Europe as they support Ukrainian refugees. She was also part of the WEA’s World Freedom Network task force developing a long-term trauma response to the Ukraine war.

“I am both humbled and excited to take up this role as Director of the Oceania Freedom Network. I am looking forward to connecting with churches and organisations across the region so we can work together to bring an end to trafficking and slavery in our region.”