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Patience Phiri is an anti-human-trafficking activist. He experienced smuggling in persons as a migrant worker in South Africa where he also survived labour trafficking and exploitation.
Passionate about social justice, Patience is the Founder and Executive Director of Hope Risen Foundation-Malawi. This organization is dedicated to the fight against human trafficking and exploitation through prevention and awareness initiatives carried out alongside direct interventions of rescue, restore and reintegration.
Patience strongly believes that everyone has the right to freedom. He was privileged to share an Action Plan on the “Collaboration between Citizen Groups and Government on How to Reframe Human Trafficking as a Public Health Issue” at a Leadership Summit in Nairobi, Kenya in 2023. This was supported by the US Department of State and the University of Georgia.
He is also affiliated to the Malawi Network against Trafficking in Persons (MNAT) and the National Freedom Network (NFN) strategic networks that connect various counter-trafficking organizations and individuals. In addition, Patience is a Developing Scholar Member of the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars (GAHTS), an organization that responds to human trafficking by sharing knowledge from researchers across the globe. In September 2024, he will be pursuing an MA in Human Trafficking, Migration and Organized Crime at St Mary’s University in London.
Originally from Somalia, Suad has also lived in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Pakistan, and Austria. She speaks six languages: Somali, Arabic, German, English, Hindi and Urdu.
Suad graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Karachi. She works as a Social Medical Consultant (including psychological counseling) at Diakonie Österreich and as an Assistant Consultant at the Austrian Red Cross. She is a certified counselor regarding female genital mutilation (FGM) issues and is active in related community outreach. SDG 3 is especially important to Suad.
Suad is a sought-after panelist and presenter, known for her storytelling skills in a variety of areas. She has spoken at the United Nations on interreligious topics, contributed to a migration and health panel at European Forum Alpbach, and contributed to high-level events including at the Diplomatic Academy Vienna, the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens and at an International Peace Day celebration hosted by the Second President of the Austrian Parliament.
Suad aims to spread awareness about refugee and migration issues, to improve the healthcare and pharmaceutical systems in developing countries, and to empower women. She often quotes Oprah Winfrey: ‘You become what you believe.’
Suad is the Founder of the Somalia Health Club which is a space to help the global Somali community meet with Somali health professionals and ask questions regarding medical topics, especially in relation to Covid-19 and vaccines (Instagram).
Mr Abdoul Aziz Ba is the founder of two associations, the first called a network of reciprocal exchanges of knowledge created in 1987 whose activities revolve around the exchange of knowledge and was able to carry out around a hundred knowledge workshops which put the knowledge on the market. employment more than 800 people who were able to open businesses and present themselves in the job market. Thus Abdul Aziz was able to actively participate in the employability of young people who, thanks to the knowledge exchange workshops, obtained a job .
Mr. Abdoul, a former united nations volunteer, is well-known in the humanitarian community and served during the Ebola epidemic as coordinator of the treatment center in 2014 in Guinea where he participated in achieving the objective of zero positive cases. 2020 he was appointed coordinator in Senegal of the global network of religions for the children. He has to his credit 3,500 street children and those from Koranic schools from poor families. He supports them by distributing foodstuffs such as rice, oil and sugar. Latrines and shelters as well as dormitories are built
In 2005, he created the citizen movement for peace and harmony, still to support poor children and families but also to combat violence and poverty.
The citizen movement in partnership with the UNODC organized a day of reflection on November 4, 2023 with a view to finding strategies to combat forced begging and human trafficking resulting from irregular emigration.
Mr Abdoul is a tireless fighter for a just and humane world without discrimination. The creation of a career training center for children and young people is his greatest challenge.
Bernadette is a young woman whose resilience and determination in her fight against exploitation and human trafficking, as well as in her commitment to women’s rights is a way of life. A mother of two boys, she transformed her traumatic experiences into a driving force for change in her community and beyond.
A survivor of sexual exploitation and human trafficking, Bernadette is committed to fighting these scourges that destroy lives and break up families. As a women’s rights activist, she fights for justice and equality, providing a voice to those who are often silenced.
Alongside her activism, Bernadette is a professional musical artist, using her talent and creativity to raise awareness and inspire. Her music is a powerful way to share messages of hope, resistance and solidarity with those who have experienced situations similar to his.
As an entrepreneur, Bernadette manages a training center for professions such as makeup, hairdressing and fashion. It thus offers training and employment opportunities to often marginalized people, allowing them to regain their dignity and economic independence.
Bernadette not only trains survivors, she also is a leader and representative within the National Task Force for Alliance 8.7, as part of the roadmap for the elimination of child labor, modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labor in the DRC.
As DRC Program Manager for Free the Slaves, Bernadette coordinates efforts to combat modern slavery in the Democratic Republic of Congo and to support survivors in their social and economic reintegration.
Bernadette is an inspiring example of a Survivor Leader. Her determination to advance the cause of women’s rights and combat human exploitation and trafficking leaves a profound impact in her community and beyond.
Hervé N’DRI is the Executive President of the NGO LEISAD, dedicated to combating irregular emigration, providing relief assistance, and fostering development. He is also the author of the book “Migrant Become a Slave.” Hervé, a father of three, holds a professional study certificate with an accounting option.
For seven years, Hervé has been a staunch defender of migrant rights and a vocal advocate against human trafficking. His personal journey began when he became a victim of human trafficking in Kuwait in 2015, where he was sold as a slave for 800,000 FCFA. Despite facing death threats, he managed to escape into the desert, only to be apprehended by police during a routine check and thrown into a Kuwaiti deportation prison. Thanks to the intervention of Ivorian footballer Didier Drogba, Hervé was able to return to his country.
Upon his return, Hervé wasted no time in founding NGO LEISAD, drawing from his experiences detailed in his book. His mission is clear: to end migrant smuggling and modern human trafficking in Africa, with a focus on his native Ivory Coast.
Hervé has rescued numerous victims caught in trafficking networks in North Africa and the Gulf. Through awareness campaigns, he educates communities about the dangers of illegal migrant smuggling and human trafficking, while also providing psycho-social assistance and facilitating professional reintegration for victims.
Collaborating with international organizations such as UNESCO, UNODC, and IOM, as well as national institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Youth, Hervé has been instrumental in advocating for policy change and strengthening anti-trafficking efforts.
Now, Hervé is eager to share his expertise and experiences within the coalition of African survivors, further amplifying his impact and contributing to the fight against human trafficking across the continent.
GNAHORÉ PATRICIA hails from Ivory Coast and serves as a community relay in Tunisia, advocating for migrant rights. As a dedicated journalist at WEB MEDIA (RLF TUNISIE and DJAKA TV IVORY COAST), she focuses on migration issues and has collaborated with various organizations and associations championing migrant rights. Patricia has produced two impactful films shedding light on human trafficking and the perilous Mediterranean crossings. Currently, she is working on a new film centered on the return and reintegration of migrants into their home countries.
Having witnessed abuses against black people in Tunisia, Patricia is committed to promoting culture through her work with a web media platform. Her expertise extends to migrant rights, reproductive health, and migrant care, particularly concerning migrant women. Patricia is a leader in advocating for migrant workers’ rights and continues her mission to raise awareness about human trafficking, especially among vulnerable women and children.
Godfrey Mpandikizi is the Executive Director at Tanzania Anti-Human Trafficking and Legal Initiatives (TATLI). As the Director for TATLI, he combats human trafficking in Tanzania while building a centralized human trafficking movement, supporting victims of human trafficking through legal aid and social support, providing advocacy and lobbying, conducting strategic litigation cases, and giving access to justice to victims of human trafficking. Mr. Mpandikizi has more than 15 years of experience working on human rights. He is also an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and admitted Legal Counsel to the African Court on Human and People’s Rights. Mr Mpandikizi has keen interest in building survivors of human trafficking in Africa.
Milliam Kamau is a passionate advocate against human trafficking and a psychology student. With a focus on lived experiences-based research, she has dedicated her career to combating this global issue. Formerly, she served as a lived experience inclusion specialist at the Salvation Army in Africa and as a research consultant at Survivor Alliance and Azadi Kenya. She is honored to be a member of the advisory committee at Alliance 8.7 Kenya and currently serves as the coordinator for the Footprint to Freedom Kenya Chapter.
Olivia Jebbeh Fullah is a Sierra Leonean nursing student at Eastern Technical University. Her activism journey began at 15, driven by her personal experiences. In 2018, she founded Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone to campaign against violence. Olivia holds expertise in child and girls’ rights, gained through NGO trainings. Her advocacy work involves mobilizing youth and engaging decision-makers at local and national levels. Olivia has actively contributed to shaping national policies for the protection and empowerment of children and young people.
Violet Mwaniga is the Regional Coordinator for Footprint to Freedom’s Kenya Chapter and a passionate advocate for human rights. Her journey as a survivor of labor trafficking has fueled her dedication to combatting this global issue and supporting survivors on their path to recovery.
With over two years of experience in the field, Violet has led numerous successful awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts, reaching hundreds of individuals through community outreach initiatives. She is known for her compassionate approach to working with survivors, always prioritizing their dignity, empowerment, and autonomy. Violet is also skilled in building strategic partnerships with NGOs and community organizations to maximize impact and resources.
In her free time, Violet is actively involved in voluntary work in her community, which provides her with the balance and inspiration to continue her advocacy work with renewed energy and passion.
Hyab, PhD holder from the University of Glasgow, is a research associate and academic coordinator for CUSP N+. He conducts research, synthesizes findings, draws expertise from various fields, and builds academic and non-academic collaborations. Hyab recently signed a book contract with Routledge for his upcoming book, “The Coloniality of the Refugee.” He is a member of the RSE Young Academy of Scotland and holds several management and leadership roles outside academia.
Fauziah Wanjiru is a survivor of labor trafficking in Saudi Arabia and a devoted human trafficking activist based in Kenya. Currently serving as the Regional Coordinator in East Africa for Footprint to Freedom, a survivor-led organization, Fauziah utilizes her community organizing skills to bring about positive change.
Her work focuses on empowering and advocating for migrant workers, informal workers, and gender-based violence survivors, achieving what many thought was impossible. Fauziah’s genuine interest in solving community problems and her empathetic approach enable her to work closely with the community and various organizations.
As a survivor herself, she serves as a mentor, inspiring others to overcome adversity. Her relentless efforts raise awareness about human trafficking and provide essential support to those affected by it. Fauziah’s resilience and dedication continue to make a lasting impact, driving the fight against human trafficking in Kenya and beyond.
Through her inspiring journey, Fauziah Wanjiru showcases the strength of survivors and the transformative power of collective action. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, motivating individuals to join the cause and work towards a safer, more compassionate world.
Itohan Okundaye is a highly respected human trafficking activist, advocate, public speaker, and consultant based in Finland. With her unwavering dedication, she has become a prominent voice in the fight against modern-day slavery. As a two-time member of the International Survivors Advisory Council (ISTAC), Itohan has shared insights which have shaped policies and initiatives to protect and support victims of human trafficking worldwide. She is the visionary CEO and Founder of the Shining Hope Foundation against Human Trafficking in Nigeria, empowering survivors and providing them with tools for healing and growth. An engaging public speaker, Itohan shares firsthand experiences that captivate audiences and inspire action. Her expertise as a consultant benefits organizations, government bodies, and law enforcement agencies in the ongoing fight against human trafficking.
Mercy Ogalo Obade, a survivor of human trafficking from Kisumu, Kenya, has emerged as an inspiring advocate for victims. After her challenging experiences in Europe, she overcame adversity and became a volunteer for HopeNow Denmark, where she supported and counseled over 58 victims. Mercy’s dedication led her to represent Denmark and other survivors on the International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC), making a significant impact in promoting survivor inclusion in anti-trafficking policies. Now residing in Mombasa, Kenya, she founded HopeNow Kenya to combat human trafficking in East Africa. Her pilot project, “Komesha Ulanguzi wa Binadamu” (End Human Trafficking), aims to raise awareness and empower communities to avoid trafficking deceit. Mercy’s outstanding skills in counseling, communication, and empathy make her a great listener and advocate for survivors. Through her journey from survivor to advocate, Mercy continues to inspire and create positive change in the fight against human trafficking.
Miriam Kusiima is a passionate Ugandan educator and advocate for women’s emancipation. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Adult and Community Education, she is on a mission to eradicate human trafficking and gender issues through interlinked approaches: prevention, empowerment, reintegration, advocacy and survivor inclusion. As a survivor herself, Miriam serves as community-outreach mobilizer for Footprint to Freedom, working tirelessly to break the cycles of exploitation.
Their innovative programs which she spearheads uplifts marginalized groups, especially women and youth, by equipping them with economic skills to resist traffickers. Miriam firmly believes that poverty should never fuel trafficking, empowering girls to confidently say “No” to exploitation.
Her unweaning dedication to social justice is evident through her efforts to uplift women and challenge failed government policies, striving for a society where all can thrive and fulfill their potential.
Born in the Gambia, Rosamond Erica Johnson attended an international school and proceeded to Sierra Leone at UNIMTECH where she obtained her diploma in Accounting and Finance. She returned home and worked as an accountant for the Afronut company for five years. Later, she proceeded to the Gambia Hotel School and obtained a diploma in Front Office Management and worked as an intern at the Kalimba Resort. Together with her colleague, they formed the Safe Home for Migrants Association where she is the Secretary General.
Grizelda Grootboom, a survivor-turned-activist, escaped the horrors of human trafficking and prostitution. Now, she advocates for fellow survivors through her Survivor Exit Foundation NPC. Her candid book, Exit! sheds light on the dark realities of the sex trade, earning international recognition and contributions to combating trafficking. Grizelda’s impactful work led her to address the UN General Assembly in 2016 and speak at the Women Front in Norway in 2017. She continues to raise awareness about sexual violence and human trafficking, hoping to protect vulnerable young women from exploitation. With unwavering determination, Grizelda aims to abolish the slavery of African girls by 2020 and to ensure that women’s rights are recognized globally. Her powerful story serves as a beacon of hope for survivors and fuels her mission to create a safer future for all.
Ngwepekem Eunice Foloh is a Cameroonian, a survivor of labour trafficking and almost a victim of rape. After her rescue, she joined the course and became a survivor advocate nationally and beyond.
She has been working with Survivors Network (SN), Cameroon/Africa, an organization dedicated to helping victims of human trafficking, modern slavery and associated abuses.
Together with the organization, she has rescued, empowered, offered psychosocial support and temporal shelter to more than 1,000 vulnerable women and girls who have been victims of human trafficking, gender-based violence and associated abuses, supporting them to get over their experiences and ensuring their smooth integration back into society.
Founder of the Soul of Rwanda organization that takes care of street children through acro yoga, gymnastics, pyramids, and clown activities.
Chylian Ify Azuhis an anti-trafficking advocate and a survivor of human trafficking from Nigeria. She works to empower female survivors in Nigeria with resources for healing, economic growth, and personal/professional development. She also raises awareness about human trafficking prevention and advocates for ending all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, in line with Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals.
As a survivor leader, Chylian has participated in several national programs and working groups on migration management and reintegration of returned migrants, bringing the survivors’ perspective to create more impactful and sustainable solutions.
Chylian is a member of the Survivor Alliance and a contributor to the survivor leadership movement building. She is the founder and executive director of Female Returned Migrants Network and the convener of various programs within the organization, such as Project Protect Her, Girls Community Outreach for Economic Growth, REVOT 23, and Unfiltered Conversation on Migration.
Chylian has a background in architecture and has been trained in migration reporting, psychosocial support mentoring, and trauma healing. She is a recipient of the 2022 Peak Unstoppable Humans of Change Award and the 2023 NVA Awards.
Sherrynorth Lamisi Attakora, also known as Missi, is a courageous survivor who has triumphed over human trafficking and forced labor, hailing from Ghana.
She is a dedicated advocate with a focus on addressing irregular migration, raising awareness about mental health issues related to human trafficking, and championing the empowerment of women. Missi is deeply committed to making a positive impact in these crucial areas.
Additionally, she serves as the esteemed host of the “Real Life With Missi” Podcast, where she engages in insightful discussions and shares her experiences, contributing to a better understanding of real-life issues. Missi is also the visionary founder of the Sherrynorth Real Life Foundation, an organization dedicated to bringing about positive change and support in the lives of survivors and those affected by human trafficking.
Agnes Afrakomah is the founder & CEO of Freedom Mission International LBG (FMI). As a trafficking survivor herself, she knows firsthand the pain and suffering caused by human trafficking. Through FMI, she campaigns tirelessly against human trafficking and advocates for its victims. Freedom Mission International is dedicated to combating human trafficking and raising awareness about the grave violations of human rights taking place across the world. The mission of FMI is to work towards eradicating trafficking in all forms and to provide support to victims and survivors. She has made it her mission to prevent human trafficking before it starts by raising awareness and educating the public on the dangers of trafficking. She frequently helps rescue girls who have been trafficked to the Middle East and provides aid and support to them once they return home.
Joy Sunday is a passionate anti-human trafficking advocate from Nigeria with a background in Experiential Marketing and Communications. Driven by her passion for social justice, she transitioned into the anti-human trafficking space. Currently, Joy holds the vital role of Movement Building and Communications Coordinator for Footprint to Freedom. She is also one of the major driving forces behind the development of the African Survivor Coalition—a network dedicated to empowering, uniting, and amplifying the voices of survivor leaders across all 54 African Nations.
Joy collaborates closely with individuals who have lived-experience to develop programs, initiatives, and resources aimed at enhancing survivor capacity and ensuring their voices resonate powerfully. She takes immense pride in her knack for bringing ideas to life, executing initiatives that leave a lasting impact on the human trafficking landscape.
Awah Francisca Mbuli is a survivor of sex and labor trafficking and almost a victim of organ trafficking. She is the founding director of Survivors’ Network (SN), a female-led Cameroonian NGO comprised of trafficking survivors that raises awareness, helps victims escape their trafficking situations, and offers temporary housing, vocational training, and other essential services that survivors need for successful reintegration. As a survivor, she uses her experience to educate and prevent others in Cameroon from experiencing human trafficking. Since 2015, her organization has helped over 50 women from West and Central Africa free themselves from their situations of forced labor, including debt bondage, in the Middle East. Under her leadership, Survivors’ Network has built a unique approach to survivor empowerment by focusing on economic independence and fostering entrepreneurship among women and girls. She has provided guidance to more than 2,000 victims of trafficking, and her organization has helped create economic opportunities for more than 400 survivors and internally displaced persons (women) across Cameroon by providing micro financing to small businesses and income-generating projects as well as job and small business training.
Afasi Komla is the director of End Modern Slavery at Engage Now Africa, an international non-governmental organization with offices in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Namibia. Afasi manages the rescue initiative addressing modern day slavery and human trafficking at its roots in high risk communities through strategic prevention, rescue, rehabilitation, and prosecution programs. He is also the African regional coordinator at ENA’s partner organization Freedom Now International where he is responsible for training rescued and rehabilitated survivors of trafficking on sustainable livelihood support programs. Afasi has a master’s degree in Management Development (MDM) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). He also has a first degree in Operation and Project Management from GIMPA. He is passionate about ENA’s purpose to heal, rescue, and lift vulnerable individuals and families, empower communities, and in creating results oriented self-reliant programs all of which have distinguished Mr. Afasi Komla as an experienced and recognized leader in Africa.
Malaika Oringo is the Founder and CEO of Footprint to Freedom, a survivor-led organization. She is also the Founder of Footprint to Climate and the African Survivor Coalition. A talented advocate, she speaks up against human trafficking, stands up for victims’ rights and works to strengthen survivor inclusion and engagement. Malaika has spoken on various stages throughout Europe and at the United Nations in New York. Raised in Uganda in harsh conditions and exploited in the Netherlands, she has devoted her life to fighting against human trafficking. Malaika believes that since survivors are the most significant stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking, they should sit at decision-making tables from the community level to the national level and the international level.
Founder and Executive Director of the Centre For Maximum Eradication Of Poverty And Illiteracy In Africa (Cemepia Africa).
Community capacity building and support of vulnerable populations.
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