Columbus, Ohio – The Indian Women Collaboration (IWC) made history by welcoming its first-ever male keynote speaker, Harold D’Souza, alongside his wife, Dancy D’Souza, for a powerful session on human trafficking awareness, prevention, and empowerment. Addressing an audience of 200 women, the D’Souzas shared their harrowing journey from trafficking victims to global advocates, leaving attendees deeply moved and inspired.
A story of survival and transformation
The couple recounted their experience of exploitation, which began when their sons, Bradly and Rohan, were just children. Through faith, resilience, and family unity, they overcame adversity, leading to Harold’s role as a globally renowned inspirational speaker and author.
Dancy captivated the audience with the ‘Frog in a Well’ analogy, illustrating how traffickers manipulate victims into believing there’s no escape. Harold expanded on this concept, introducing his book, “Frog in a Well – Turning Obstacles into Opportunities”, now available on Amazon.
Breaking barriers at IWC
Founded by Sheetal Patel Parikh, IWC’s mission to Care, Share & Connect took a transformative step by focusing on human trafficking. “Empowering women isn’t just about uplifting them—it’s about educating and engaging men as allies,” Parikh emphasized.
Harold provided critical insights on identifying trafficking red flags, accessing resources, and seeking help. Attendees were urged to save the Ohio State Human Trafficking Hotline (844-363-6448) and the National Hotline (1-888-3737-888).
A message of resilience and faith
Dancy highlighted their nonprofit, Eyes Open International, which empowers trafficking survivors. She also revealed that Hollywood and Bollywood are developing films on Harold’s extraordinary life journey.
The D’Souzas’ story of triumph resonated deeply, particularly when Harold shared personal experiences from his schooling at Convent of Jesus and Mary Girls High School in Baroda, where he was the only boy in his class—foreshadowing his lifelong mission to champion women’s empowerment.
As the event concluded, Harold left the audience with three powerful messages:
✅ Failure is the path to success.
✅ Focus on the roots, not the fruits.
✅ Suicide or silence is not an option.
With tears, applause, and renewed purpose, the women of IWC departed inspired to rise, shine, and thrive—not just for themselves, but for future generations.
🔗 For more on Harold D’Souza’s book, “Frog in a Well”, visit Amazon.