Female Returned Migrants Network

You can't fight human trafficking without the voices of those directly affected.

Recently, a colleague bravely raised the alarm about deceptive recruitment practices in her community and even within her own church. She shared how difficult it has been to convince potential victims that what they’re being offered isn't always what it seems.

In many cases, religious leaders and trusted community members are unknowingly used as tools to lure people into exploitation. Recognizing this, she invited us to her church to begin a critical conversation.

One story stood out someone she knows has already agreed to travel to the Middle East for work. Before it’s too late, she urged them to attend our session, learn how to vet opportunities, and make informed decisions.

We showed up. We shared. And most importantly, we listened.

The feedback we received after the session was powerful. It gave us a clearer understanding of what these communities are facing and what more we, as survivor leaders, must do.

This is what meaningful prevention looks like: survivor-informed, community-driven, and rooted in trust.