From October 1st to 4th, Nairobi hosted the transformative Survivor Alliance World Congress, themed “The Power of the Collective.” This event united over 100 survivor leaders and 50 allies from around the globe, focusing on collaborative action in the fight against human trafficking. Free the Slaves (FTS) was proud to participate, represented by Jackline Mwende, our Senior Regional Manager for East & Central Africa and Survivor Engagement Global Lead, and Bernardette Agano, the FTS DRC Country Coordinator and a person with lived experience who is also a member of the Africa survivor coalition.
A Collective Movement for Change
The congress was not just an event; it was a crucial moment to witness and contribute to a movement led by survivors for survivors. As allies, Free the Slaves stood side by side with these brave individuals who have lived through the realities of human trafficking. We were there to listen, learn, and strategize on how to better support survivor-led initiatives and amplify their voices on the global stage.
Fostering Survivor Leadership and Collaboration
Throughout the congress, 35 sessions were held, with a special focus on innovative strategies for empowering survivors. Under the leadership of Dr. Minh Dang and the Survivor Alliance team, discussions highlighted the importance of inclusivity, intersectionality, and survivor-driven leadership. These sessions emphasized that real progress in combating trafficking relies on listening to and empowering those with lived experience, while fostering collaboration between survivors and allies.
Free the Slaves’ Role in Supporting Survivor-Led Movements
As an organization deeply committed to engaging survivors in our work, Free the Slaves’ participation in the congress was an opportunity to reinforce our organizational focus on survivor-led approaches. The congress provided key insights into how organizations like ours can better serve as allies in global anti-trafficking efforts.
Our takeaway was clear: supporting survivors means not only amplifying their stories but also providing the tools and platforms they need to lead change. The sessions we participated in offered new strategies for intersectional approaches and community-based solutions that we aim to integrate into our work across all regions.
Reflecting on the power of collective efforts, Free the Slaves reaffirms its commitment to advancing survivor engagement and leadership. The connections built and strategies discussed during the congress will inform and strengthen our approach, ensuring our programs are survivor-centered, inclusive, and sustainable.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Survivor Alliance team for fostering such a transformative space. Together, survivors and allies are building a more united and resilient movement, working toward a future free from slavery. Moving forward in partnership, we will amplify every survivor’s voice and achieve meaningful change in the fight against human trafficking.
