What if asking for help is one of the clearest acts of agency? At our Women Supporting Women panel, a former Ray of Hope client and volunteer addressed the room: "Please don't be afraid to ask for help. There are people who will help you if you're willing to help yourself."

By the time someone comes forward, they have often spent months trying to cope on their own. So when they finally ask, it is often the beginning of taking control again. At Ray of Hope, our role is to honour that step with care and dignity.

Hosted with Perk by Kate and moderated by CHEN JUN (C.J.) LUO, with Dr Alicia Altorfer-Ong, Guest of Honor Elysa Chen and Kate Low — one theme kept emerging: dignity. When women rise, families rise. When families rise, communities rise.