By Fauziah Wanjiru
My name is Fauziah Wanjiru, and my journey from surviving human trafficking to becoming an advocate and leader is one of transformation and empowerment. It has been a path filled with challenges, but it has also been marked by growth, resilience, and a deep commitment to creating change.
Before I connected with Free the Slaves, my advocacy work had already begun. I was determined to turn my pain into purpose, mentoring and supporting others who faced similar struggles. As a survivor, I knew the importance of empowering migrant workers, informal workers, and survivors of gender-based violence. Many of them, like me, were navigating life after exploitation, often without the resources or support they needed to move forward.
I started by learning about labor laws and workers’ rights, determined to equip myself with the knowledge necessary to stand with survivors. I volunteered to raise awareness about the realities of domestic and migrant workers returning from Gulf countries, many of whom had faced severe exploitation. Through this work, I found purpose in helping others, but it was a lonely journey. Without a broader network, the weight of the work often felt overwhelming.
Everything changed when I joined Free the Slaves. Their survivor-centered approach resonated with me and provided the support I had been missing. They opened doors to opportunities I never imagined, offering training programs in advocacy, leadership, and ethical storytelling. For the first time, I felt like I was part of a community that not only understood my experiences but also valued my voice.
Through Free the Slaves and the Alliance 8.7 initiative, I gained tools and mentorship that transformed my advocacy into leadership. Together with other survivors, we co-founded the Survivor Network Kenya (SNK), an organization led by survivors to empower survivors. This network became a platform for us to unite, heal, and take collective action.
With the SNK, I found my voice on a larger stage. I had the opportunity to represent survivors during the development of Kenya’s roadmap to becoming an Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder Country. I spoke on national radio stations, sharing my experiences and raising awareness about human trafficking, forced labor, and modern slavery. I also represented the SNK at international platforms, including the International Labour Organization’s CAPSA project launch and the 19th Global Coordinating Group workshop in Turin, Italy.
These experiences deepened my commitment to the anti-trafficking movement. I saw firsthand how survivor leadership could challenge stigma, inspire systemic change, and create opportunities for healing and growth. My work with the SNK not only allowed me to mentor and empower others but also gave me the strength to confront my own past and move forward with purpose.
Today, I continue to advocate for survivor-centered approaches in the fight against trafficking. I am pursuing further education in human rights advocacy to enhance my ability to lead and create lasting impact. My mission is clear: to ensure that survivors have access to the resources, education, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives and contribute to a world free from trafficking.
💡 Your support makes journeys like Fauziah’s possible. $500 funds leadership training that empowers survivors to lead. $1800 funds a survivors participation in the Survivor Leadership Academy.
Donate Now to help create lasting change.
The Bigger Picture: Kenya’s Role in Combating Modern Slavery
Kenya faces significant challenges as a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking. Vulnerable populations, particularly women, children, and migrant workers, are often targeted by traffickers and exploitative systems.
- Child Labor: Kenya continues to battle child labor in agriculture, domestic work, and commercial sex trafficking. The Global Slavery Index 2023 estimates that 859,000 people in Kenya are trapped in modern slavery.
- Migrant Worker Exploitation: Over 10 million Kenyan migrants work abroad, many in Gulf countries where they face severe abuse, wage theft, and unsafe conditions.
- Gender-Based Vulnerabilities: Women and girls are disproportionately affected by trafficking and exploitation, with many forced into domestic servitude or sexual exploitation.
Survivor-Centered Approaches Create Change
Fauziah’s story reflects the importance of survivor leadership in addressing these systemic issues. Survivor-led networks like the Survivor Network Kenya (SNK) amplify voices and drive meaningful policy changes.
In 2024, Free the Slaves will continue to expand survivor-centered programs that:
- Equip survivors with tools to advocate for systemic change.
- Foster networks that provide mutual support and collective action.
- Influence national policies by ensuring survivor voices are at the table.
💡 Support the formation of survivor-led networks like SNK. Donate Today to enable this critical work.
Your Support Builds a Future of Freedom
As we reflect on the progress made in 2024, stories like Fauziah’s remind us of the work still ahead. Modern slavery persists, but survivors like Fauziah are proving that transformation is possible with the right support.
Your end-of-year gift fuels this life-changing work. It allows us to:
- Train more survivors to become leaders.
- Expand survivor networks that challenge exploitation.
- Collaborate globally to create a world free from slavery.
Let’s make 2024 a year of hope, resilience, and progress. Together, we can empower survivors and build a future where freedom and dignity are universal rights.
