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our team
Members
"In a society where silence is enforced upon victims, we found our strength in speaking out and standing for justice”
– Malaika Oringo
OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
Malaika Oringo
Chairperson, Director of Development
(Netherlands)
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.
Afasi Komla
Regional Rep, West Africa
(Ghana)
Afasi Komla is the Director of End Modern Slavery at Engage Now Africa (ENA), leading programs to prevent, rescue, and rehabilitate victims of modern slavery across Africa. He also serves as the Africa Regional Representative for the Commonwealth 8.7 Network and Chief Coordinating Officer of the African Survivors Coalition. Afasi holds a Master’s in Management Development from GIMPA and is a recognized leader in anti-trafficking advocacy, policy, and survivor empowerment. He has collaborated with UNODC, participated in global forums, and received the Humanitarian Awards Global for his impactful work.
Francisca Awah
Regional Rep, Central Africa
(Cameroon)
- Vital Voices Fellow :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Obama Foundation Africa Leader :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- UNODC Survivor Story :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Joy S. Kingsley
Dir. of Impact, Strategy and Movement Building
(Nigeria)
Joy Sunday Kingsley 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 is the Movement Building and Communications Coordinator for Footprint to Freedom and is 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.
She collaborates closely with individuals with lived experience to develop programs, initiatives, and resources aimed at enhancing survivor capacity and ensuring their voices resonate powerfully. Joy takes immense pride in her knack for bringing ideas to life and executing initiatives that leave a lasting impact on the human trafficking landscape. One notable achievement is leading resource development for the African Survivor Leadership Academy, a groundbreaking project dedicated to training and empowering survivor leaders across Africa. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Godfrey Mpandikizi
Legal Advisor & Regional Rep, East Africa
(Tanzania)
Godfrey Mpandikizi is the Executive Director of Tanzania Anti‑Human Trafficking and Legal Initiatives (TATLI). In this leadership role, he combats human trafficking in Tanzania while building a centralized movement, supporting victims through legal aid and social support, conducting strategic litigation, providing advocacy and lobbying, and ensuring access to justice for survivors.
Mr Mpandikizi has over 15 years of experience working on human rights. He is an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania and admitted Legal Counsel to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He holds an LLB and an LLM majoring in Human Rights, Migration, Human Trafficking, and Transnational Organised Crimes from the University of Dar es Salaam. He is also among the chapter authors in the 2024 book Economic and Societal Impact of Organized Crime: Policy and Law Enforcement Interventions (IRMA Global), where he contributed a chapter titled “Human Trafficking in Tanzania: A Review of Victim Protection Policy in Tanzania and Recommendations.”
Mr Mpandikizi is committed to building survivor-led structures across Africa. As a current member of both the African Survivor Coalition (hosted by Footprint to Freedom) and the Survivor Alliance global coalition, he works to build a survivors‑centric movement that emphasizes meaningful survivor participation in decision‑making.
TATLI’s work under his direction is firmly anchored in a human‑rights-based, data-driven approach aligned with the UN’s “Four P’s” framework—Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership. The organization delivers legal aid, victim protection, strategic litigation, awareness-raising in schools and communities, capacity‑building training for stakeholders across judicial and enforcement systems, and socioeconomic support initiatives for survivors.
Frehewot Abiy
East African Representative
(Ethiopia)
Frehiwot Abiy Worku (Frey) is a passionate lived experience expert on human trafficking, a human rights advocate, and a survivor leader with extensive experience working at the intersection of survivor empowerment, social justice, and grassroots organizing.
As the Founder and Executive Director of Thrive Humanitarian & Development Organization, a survivor-led initiative in Ethiopia, Frehiwot played a key role in establishing one of Ethiopia’s first four survivor-led organizations focused on supporting individuals affected by human trafficking, domestic violence, and exploitation.
Frehiwot holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Addis Ababa University and is currently enrolled in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at the same institution.
She was awarded a Certificate of Completion in Public Narrative: Leadership, Storytelling, and Action from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (Executive Education) .
Frehiwot is currently involved in multiple survivor-led initiatives and has established Thrive Humanitarian & Development Organization, a non-profit civil society organization and registered local NGO in Ethiopia.
Her vision for Thrive is to become a leading regional humanitarian organization that fosters safety and healing through prevention, protection, and empowerment of displaced and vulnerable women and children affected by trafficking, violence, and exploitation.
Hervé N’DRI
West Africa Representative.
(Cote d' Ivoire)
Yenenesh Tilahun
East Africa Representative
(Ethiopia)
Grizelda Grootboom
South Africa Representative
(South Africa)
OUR MEMBERS
Agnes Afrikomah
(Ghana)
Agnes Afrakomah is the Founder & CEO of Freedom Mission International LBG (FMI). As a trafficking survivor herself, she understands 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 grave violations of human rights worldwide. The organization’s mission is to eradicate trafficking in all forms and provide critical support to victims and survivors.
Agnes is passionate about prevention—she educates the public on trafficking dangers before exploitation begins. She also leads efforts to rescue girls trafficked to the Middle East, offering them essential aid and support upon return.
Bernadette Agano
(DR Congo)
Bernadette Agano is a young mother of two whose resilience and determination in fighting exploitation, human trafficking, and advocating for women’s rights have become her way of life.
A survivor of sexual exploitation and human trafficking, Bernadette has transformed her traumatic experiences into a powerful force for change in her community and beyond. As a dedicated women’s rights activist, she champions justice and equality, giving voice to those too often silenced.
Alongside her activism, Bernadette is a professional musical artist. She uses her music to raise awareness and inspire others—sharing powerful messages of hope, resistance, and solidarity with survivors across the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond.
As an entrepreneur, she runs a vocational training center for makeup, hairdressing, and fashion. The center provides marginalized individuals—especially survivors—with training and employment opportunities, helping them regain dignity and economic independence.
Bernadette serves as a leader and representative within the National Task Force for Alliance 8.7, guiding the roadmap for eliminating child labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and forced labor in the DRC.
As the DRC Program Manager for Free the Slaves, she coordinates national efforts to combat modern slavery and support survivor reintegration :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Her story is featured in Free the Slaves’ article “My Journey as a Survivor Leader”, published December 2024, where she reflects on her transformation from victim to advocate, her role in shaping survivor recommendations for Alliance 8.7, and her leadership training efforts in the DRC :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Abdoul Aziz BA
(Senegal)
Mr. Abdoul Aziz Ba is the founder of two associations. The first, established in 1987, is a network of reciprocal knowledge exchange workshops. Over the years, this initiative trained more than 800 people, equipping them to start businesses and succeed in the job market.
Mr. Abdoul is a former United Nations Volunteer and is well known within the humanitarian community. During the 2014 Ebola epidemic in Guinea, he served as the coordinator of a treatment center, contributing to the achievement of zero new positive cases.
In 2020, he was appointed the Coordinator in Senegal for the Global Network of Religions for Children. In this role, he has supported approximately 3,500 street children and children from poor Koranic schools by distributing food items such as rice, oil, and sugar. He also oversaw the construction of latrines, shelters, and dormitories to improve their living conditions.
In 2005, he founded the Citizen Movement for Peace and Harmony, which supports vulnerable children and families and combats violence and poverty. In partnership with UNODC, this movement organized a Day of Reflection on November 4, 2023, to develop strategies to combat forced begging and human trafficking resulting from irregular migration.
Mr. Abdoul remains a tireless advocate for a just and humane world without discrimination. One of his greatest challenges is the establishment of a career training center for children and young people.
Chylian Ify Azuh
(Nigeria)
Chylian Ify Azuh is an anti‑trafficking advocate and survivor leader from Nigeria. She empowers female survivors through healing, economic skills, and professional development, and actively campaigns to prevent human trafficking and end discrimination against women and girls, in alignment with SDG 5.
As the Founder and Executive Director of the Female Returned Migrants Network (FREMNET), she convenes impactful programs including Project Protect Her, Girls Community Outreach for Economic Growth, REVOT 23, and Unfiltered Conversation on Migration.
Chylian has represented survivors in multiple national forums on migration management and reintegration policy, bringing survivor‑centered insight to policy development.
She has a background in architecture, and has received training in migration reporting, psychosocial support mentoring, and trauma‑informed healing.
Chylian is a member of the Survivor Alliance, contributing to the global survivor‑leadership movement.
She was awarded the 2022 Peak Unstoppable Humans of Change Award and recognized in the 2023 NVA Awards for her leadership and impact.
Sherrynorth L. Attakora
(Ghana)
Sherrynorth Lamisi Attakora (also known as Missi Resilience) is a courageous survivor of human trafficking and forced labor from Ghana. She is a dedicated advocate addressing irregular migration, mental health issues related to trafficking, and women’s empowerment. Missi is deeply committed to creating positive, lasting impact.
She is the host of the “Real Life With Missi” Podcast, where she shares her experiences and interviews other migrant survivors to raise awareness and foster understanding :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Missi is also the founder of the Sherrynorth Real Life Foundation, an organization working to support survivors, single mothers, orphans, and street children through emotional support, skills training, and reintegration opportunities :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Abubakar Umar Faruq
(Nigeria)
Abubakar Umar Faruq is a dedicated social entrepreneur and humanitarian committed to uplifting marginalized communities.
As the founder of African Diaspora Association, he has created a vital platform that supports migrant diaspora workers by advocating for their rights, providing resources, and fostering a strong sense of community and empowerment across borders.
In addition, Abubakar established the Al-Farouk Humanitarian Foundation, an organization devoted to improving the lives of people with disabilities and supporting orphanages. Through this foundation, he spearheads initiatives that provide essential care, education, and opportunities for vulnerable populations, ensuring they receive the dignity and assistance they deserve.
His work reflects a profound commitment to social justice, inclusion, and humanitarian aid, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. Abubakar Umar Faruq’s leadership and vision continue to inspire positive change and foster hope within the African diaspora and beyond.
Ngwepekem Eunice Foloh
(Cameroon)
Ngwepekem Eunice Foloh is a Cameroonian survivor of labor trafficking and nearly a victim of rape. After her rescue, she became a survivor advocate at a national and international level.
She works with Survivors’ Network (SN), Cameroon, an organization dedicated to supporting victims of human trafficking, modern slavery, and associated abuses.
Through SN, Eunice has helped provide rescue, psychosocial support, temporary shelter, and reintegration assistance to over 1,000 vulnerable women and girls affected by trafficking and gender-based violence, helping them rebuild their lives within society.
Olivia Jebbeh Fullah
(Sierra-Leone)
Olivia Jebbeh Fullah is a Sierra Leonean nursing student at Eastern Technical University whose advocacy journey began at the age of 15, inspired by her personal experiences.
In 2018, she founded Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone, a campaign-focused initiative addressing violence against girls and young women. Olivia has expertise in child and girls’ rights, developed through extensive NGO training.
Her activism includes youth mobilization and engagement with decision-makers at both local and national levels. Olivia has contributed to shaping national policies aimed at protecting and empowering children and young people across Sierra Leone.
Gnahoré Patricia
(Ivory Coast)
Gnahoré Patricia is an Ivorian journalist and community advocate based in Tunisia. She works with WEB MEDIA (RLF Tunisie and DJAKA TV Ivory Coast), focusing on migration issues, human trafficking, reproductive health, and the rights of migrant women and children.
As a community relay in Tunisia, she advocates for migrant workers’ rights and has produced two impactful films that shed light on human trafficking and dangerous Mediterranean crossings. Her current project centres on migrant return and reintegration.
Having witnessed racial abuses against Black migrants in Tunisia, Patricia is committed to using media and culture as instruments of awareness and change. She collaborates with organizations and associations dedicated to migrant rights and empowerment.
Grizelda Grootboom
(South Africa)
Rosamond Erica Johnson
(Gambia)
Rosamond Erica Johnson was born in The Gambia and received her early education at an international school. She later pursued a diploma in Accounting and Finance at UNIMTECH in Sierra Leone. Upon returning home, she served as an accountant for Afronut Company for five years.
Driven by a passion for hospitality, she enrolled at the Gambia Hotel School, where she earned a diploma in Front Office Management and subsequently interned at the Kalimba Resort.
Rosamond is the co-founder and Secretary General of the Safe Home for Migrants Association, an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the rights and welfare of migrants. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to creating safe, supportive environments for those affected by migration challenges.
Milliam Kamau
(Kenya)
Milliam Kamau is a passionate advocate against human trafficking and a dedicated psychology student. She brings a unique perspective to her work, focusing on lived experience-based research to inform policy and practice in the fight against human trafficking.
Milliam previously served as a Lived Experience Inclusion Specialist with The Salvation Army in Africa, and has worked as a research consultant with Survivor Alliance and Azadi Kenya. Her contributions emphasize survivor-informed approaches to trafficking prevention and support services.
She is honored to serve on the Advisory Committee of Alliance 8.7 Kenya, a global partnership focused on eradicating forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor. Currently, Milliam coordinates the Footprint to Freedom Kenya Chapter, where she leads efforts to empower survivors, raise awareness, and strengthen community resilience.
Miriam Kusiima
(Uganda)
Miriam Kusiima is a passionate Ugandan educator and a staunch advocate for women’s emancipation. With a Bachelor’s degree in Adult and Community Education, she is committed to combating human trafficking and addressing gender issues through a holistic approach that includes prevention, empowerment, reintegration, advocacy, and survivor inclusion.
A survivor herself, Miriam serves as a community-outreach mobilizer for Footprint to Freedom, where she leads grassroots initiatives to disrupt cycles of exploitation. Her work centers on empowering marginalized groups—particularly women and youth—by equipping them with economic skills to resist traffickers and achieve sustainable livelihoods.
Miriam believes poverty should never be a gateway to exploitation. Through her leadership, girls and women are empowered to assert their dignity and confidently say “No” to trafficking. Her unwavering dedication to social justice is evident in her advocacy against failed policies and her vision for a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Dr. Suad Mohamed
(Kenya)
Dr. Suad Mohamed is a Somali-born pharmacist and multilingual health advocate who has lived in Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Pakistan, and Austria. She speaks Somali, Arabic, German, English, Hindi, and Urdu.
She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Karachi and serves as a Social Medical Consultant at Diakonie Österreich and as an Assistant Consultant at the Austrian Red Cross. Suad is also a certified counselor on female genital mutilation (FGM) and conducts community outreach on related health issues, aligning closely with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well‑Being).
Highly sought after as a panelist and speaker, she has presented on topics including refugee and migration health at high-profile forums such as the United Nations, the European Forum Alpbach, Diplomatic Academy Vienna, the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, and International Peace Day events hosted by Austrian parliamentary leadership :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Suad is the founder of the Somalia Health Club, a platform connecting the global Somali community with health professionals for medical guidance, particularly around COVID‑19 and vaccination issues. The Somalia Health Club has grown to over 5,700 members :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
She serves on the Board and Youth Committee of the Global Somali Diaspora (GSD), promoting the integration of Somali communities in host countries while preserving cultural heritage. In March 2023, she was honoured by the Austrian-Arab Women Physicians and Pharmacists Association for her dedication to medical and humanitarian aid :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Suad’s mission is focused on raising awareness about refugee and migration health, improving pharmaceutical and healthcare systems in developing regions, and empowering women. She often quotes Oprah Winfrey: “You become what you believe.”
Violet Mwaniga
(Kenya)
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.
Hervé N’DRI
(Ivory Coast)
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.
Mercy Ogalo Obade
(Kenya)
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.
Itohan Okundaye
(Nigeria, Finland)
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 of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC), Itohan has shared insights that have shaped global policies and initiatives to protect and support victims of human trafficking.
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.
Fauziah Wanjiru
(Kenya)
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.
Dr. Hyab Yohannes
(Eritrea, UK)
Hyab Yohames, 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.
Pheri Patience
(Malawi)
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.
Bakary Kone
(Mali)
Bakary Kone is a Malian professional born on April 21, 1986, in Sevare, Mopti Region. He is married and currently serves as the Executive Director of AEJED (Association for Youth Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Development). Bakary has extensive experience in community development management, local and national development initiatives, peace promotion, education, solidarity, child protection, and conflict prevention.
Since 2013, Bakary has played a significant role in business development, first as a commercial agent and then as commercial manager at Kulu SARL. In 2014, he was elected as president of the Dieka Barra Association, which later transformed into the NGO “Action for Youth Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Development” in 2019.
He was also a founding member and secretary general of the National Federation of Associations for Decentralization and Development of Local Governments from 2016 to 2020, and is a founding member and president of the Movement for Patriotic Forces of Mopti since 2020.
Bakary’s career has been shaped by his involvement in significant national initiatives, including the validation workshop for Mali’s National Youth Policy and Citizenship Building Document in 2016. His humanitarian efforts include distributing food and kits to victims of intercommunal conflict in 2020 and supporting the reintegration of displaced persons through discussions with local authorities, village chiefs, and traditional leaders.
He is deeply involved in developing early warning systems and preventive analysis tools to manage conflicts effectively.
Hassan Kamara
(Sierra-Leone)
Hassan Kamara is a dedicated school teacher with over 8 years of experience, blending traditional education with modern technology. He holds a BSc Honours in Information Technology and an HTC Secondary. Hassan is also a freelance web and graphic designer, supporting small businesses and social causes. Actively involved in the Advocacy Network Against Irregular Migration (ANAIM), he works to combat human trafficking. A devoted husband and father, his experience raising a daughter with cerebral palsy has deepened his commitment to supporting vulnerable children, especially those with disabilities.
Alimamy Kargbo
(Sierra-Leone)
Alimamy Kargbo is a hardworking survivor from Sierra Leone who was trafficked in Libya. He is a dedicated advocate against human trafficking in persons, raising awareness and addressing irregular migration, with extensive experience in migration and anti-trafficking efforts.
Alimamy has been an outstanding research expert on human trafficking in persons over the years and an exceptional public speaker on migration. He also worked with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Sierra Leone for three years on the Migrant as Messengers project, serving as the communications lead for all survivor migrants.
He currently serves as the National Public Relations Officer for the Migrant Center for Information and Capacity Development (MICICAD), a migrant- and survivor-led organization in Sierra Leone.
Alimamy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Management and Technology. He remains deeply committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of migrants and survivors.
Blessing Yaramola
(Nigeria)
Yaramola Blessing is the founder of Mira’s Spa and Products, a brand that brings relaxation and wellness directly to clients’ doorsteps. With over four years of experience in the NGO sector, she serves as a PSS mentor and peer education facilitator, passionately advocating against human trafficking and irregular migration. She implemented and participated in numerous impactful projects, empowering communities through education and support. Committed to making a difference, and continues to blend entrepreneurial spirit with a dedication to social justice.
Yvonne Nshima
(Kenya)
Yvonne Nshima is a survivor of human trafficking who has transformed her lived experience into a powerful tool for advocacy and mentorship. Currently serving as a mentor at the Hope Iwacu Initiative, Yvonne is committed to empowering others who have faced exploitation and vulnerability. Drawing from her own journey of survival, she provides guidance, support, and encouragement to fellow survivors, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future.
Rita Abu
(Nigeria)
Rita Abu is a dedicated advocate for safe migration and an active anti-trafficking agent, blending her expertise in digital technology with a strong commitment to social impact. As founder of Adoretech, she empowers underserved communities, especially women and youth, with digital skills that foster financial independence as sustainable alternatives to irregular migration. Serving as Program Coordinator for a survivor-led NGO, the Female Returned Migrants Network (FREMNET), Rita raises awareness of the risks of human trafficking and coordinates outreach programs, skill-building, and empowerment initiatives. Her digital marketing and web design skills amplify her efforts, inspiring resilience and change locally and internationally.
Tilahun Yenenesh
(Ethiopia)
Tilahun is the executive director of Kasma Charity Organization. She is passionate about being a voice for survivors, both in Ethiopia and beyond, advocating for those who have faced adversity and need support. This is why she joined the African Survivor Coalition — to stand with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to amplifying our voices and making a difference. She is pleased to be part of this collective effort, and hope that together, our voices will be heard and create meaningful change.
Victoria Nyanjura
(Uganda)
Rita Abu is a dedicated advocate for safe migration and an active anti-trafficking agent, blending her expertise in digital technology with a strong commitment to social impact. As founder of Adoretech, she empowers underserved communities, especially women and youth, with digital skills that foster financial independence as sustainable alternatives to irregular migration. Serving as Program Coordinator for a survivor-led NGO, the Female Returned Migrants Network (FREMNET), Rita raises awareness of the risks of human trafficking and coordinates outreach programs, skill-building, and empowerment initiatives. Her digital marketing and web design skills amplify her efforts, inspiring resilience and change locally and internationally.
Wubendene E. Melkanu
(Ethiopia)
Wubendene Embiale Melkamu is an advocate and leader from Ethiopia, committed to supporting migrant returnees and combating human trafficking. As the Founder and Executive Director of Biruh Addis Charity Organization, Wubendene has demonstrated extensive expertise in advocacy, policy reform, and community engagement, making her a prominent figure in the field.
Her specializations include leadership training, mental health support, and policy advocacy, significantly contributing to her community and beyond. She holds a Higher Education Diploma and has earned various certifications in leadership, care support, computer training, and public speaking. Fluent in Amharic, Arabic, and English, Wubendene brings both local insight and cross-cultural experience to her work in advancing migrant welfare and social justice.
Ayi Hervé Aziamadje
(Togo)
Rita Abu is a dedicated advocate for safe migration and an active anti-trafficking agent, blending her expertise in digital technology with a strong commitment to social impact. As founder of Adoretech, she empowers underserved communities, especially women and youth, with digital skills that foster financial independence as sustainable alternatives to irregular migration. Serving as Program Coordinator for a survivor-led NGO, the Female Returned Migrants Network (FREMNET), Rita raises awareness of the risks of human trafficking and coordinates outreach programs, skill-building, and empowerment initiatives. Her digital marketing and web design skills amplify her efforts, inspiring resilience and change locally and internationally.
David Awusi
(Ghana)
David K. Awusi is a global Survivor-leader, Public Speaker, Consultant, Policy Influencer, Climate Change Activist, Global Peace Ambassador and passionate volunteer in his local community and for other organizations. He has been at the frontline and contributed to the anti-modern slavery and human trafficking movement for the last 20 years through volunteering, professional work and consulting.
Throughout this period, David has rescued 212 vulnerable children and young people trapped in modern slavery and empowered them to thrive across Africa. As the Executive Director of Youth Rise International (YoRI), a youth-led and survivor-led non-profit NGO, he directly leads grassroots prevention programs that have sensitized and empowered over 650,000 high-risk populations on modern slavery and prevented over 250,000 at-risk children and youth from being trafficked in Ghana and across Africa.
David’s vision is to contribute to achieving a slavery-free world now! Driven by this vision, he has contributed to high-profile national and global policy discourse and documentaries, some of which have been screened or published in Financial Times (UK), CNN (USA), ABC News (USA), Globe Magazine (Sweden), and he led a training session during the 2024 World Congress on Modern Slavery organized by Survivor Alliance (USA).
As a Survivor Consultant, David has contributed to research and modern slavery knowledge, including publishing several feature articles and an approved anti-slavery training manual titled: “Saving Our Pearls of The Future”. He has been consulted on work by Free the Slaves in Africa, the ILO REFLECT Project in collaboration with Rights Lab, the Global Slavery Index by Walk Free (Australia), the Action Plan for Survivor Leadership by Survivor Alliance (USA), and United Way Worldwide (Ghana) baseline studies.
Mukiibi Fauz
Uganda
Mukiibi Fauz is a dedicated survivor advocate from Uganda. Five years ago, he was trafficked to Dubai after being promised a supermarket job. Instead, he was taken to a farm where he worked long hours under harsh and exploitative conditions. This difficult experience became the foundation of his strength and purpose, inspiring him to speak out and support others facing similar vulnerabilities.
He holds a degree in Human Resources Management from Kyambogo University, which has strengthened his abilities in leadership, communication, and organizational development.
He currently serves as a Survivor Advocate at Footprint to Freedom, where he is actively involved in peer support, community sensitization, and leadership programs that amplify survivor voices.
In addition to his advocacy work, he has served as an Ambassador of the International Peace Youth Group since 2015, and he currently holds the position of Chairman of UMYTA, reflecting his long-standing commitment to leadership, youth empowerment, and community development.
Fauz is deeply passionate about empowerment, policy change, and building a strong survivor-led movement across Africa. His mission is to protect vulnerable communities from exploitation and to ensure that survivors are recognized, heard, and meaningfully included in shaping solutions.
Ayi Hervé Aziamadje
(Kenya, United Kingdom)
Peter Parker is a lived experience survivor leader, a Global Independent Consultant in the modern slavery/human trafficking sector, ISTAC member, Research Advisory Board Member, Mental health champion for young people UK, a poet and a writer. He is dedicated to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking through his lived experience while collaborating with other survivors to foster change.
Frehewot Abiy
(Ethiopia)
Frehewot Abiy is an accomplished survival migrant worker with eight years of diverse experience in the tourism and aviation industries and multiple years as a migrant worker. My career has been marked by a commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and professional growth. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Finot Charitable Association, I have demonstrated leadership in implementing organizational strategies, managing financial affairs, and fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
My background includes significant roles at Emirates Group-Dnata, where I excelled in managing travel inquiries, building client relationships, and ensuring adherence to industry regulations. My experience extends to roles in customer service, where I effectively handled a high volume of calls, resolved issues, and improved customer satisfaction. I have a proven track record of increasing sales, negotiating favorable rates, and delivering high-quality service.
And now as a founder and executive director at Finot Charitable Association, I have been deeply involved in transformative efforts to combat domestic servitude, exploitation, and modern slavery. In my role, I have played a pivotal part in shaping our strategic direction and advocacy initiatives, working to bring critical issues such as decent working conditions for domestic workers to the forefront of public and policy discussions. My efforts have focused on influencing policies that protect vulnerable populations through strategic advocacy and public communication campaigns. These initiatives aim to highlight the plight of domestic workers and migrant returnees, pushing for legislative and societal changes that enhance their conditions and rights. Additionally, I have led programs that provide support and recovery assistance to migrant returnees, empowering them to rebuild their lives, improve their socioeconomic status, and advocate for their rights.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Information Systems and a University Diploma in Aviation Security Management, I am well-equipped with the skills needed for strategic thinking, budgeting, and leadership. My certifications further bolster my expertise in areas such as information security, presentation skills, and customer service. I am currently taking a Public Narrative course at Harvard to develop my storytelling skills.
I am driven by a passion for delivering exceptional service, solving complex problems, and leading teams to achieve their best. My goal is to leverage my experience and skills to continue making meaningful contributions in my country and beyond.
Grace Wangari
(Kenya)
Grace Wangari is a passionate human rights advocate, researcher, and person with lived experience. Her personal journey has fueled her commitment to advancing social justice, equity, and the dignity of all individuals—especially those whose voices are often unheard.
With a background in community engagement and qualitative research, Grace has contributed to numerous research projects focusing on gender-based violence, mental health, and social inclusion across Kenya and beyond. She brings a unique perspective to her work, merging academic knowledge with firsthand insight to influence meaningful change.
Grace is also actively involved in advocacy efforts that support survivors of abuse and marginalized groups. She works closely with grassroots organizations and survivor-led movements to promote healing, empowerment, and systemic reform. Her ability to connect lived realities with evidence-based solutions makes her a trusted voice in both advocacy and research spaces.
Beyond her professional work, Grace is committed to creating safe and supportive environments where stories matter and change begins. She is currently expanding her work through collaborations aimed at survivor leadership, trauma-informed care, and sustainable reintegration.
Learn more about her advocacy through this page.
Ngadi Edjenguele
(Cameroon)
Ngadi Edjenguele Sylvie is the Founder and Director of the Kolum Ngohla Therese’s Foundation, whose work is focused on the participation of women and girls in fighting organized crime, most especially human trafficking in their various communities.
Having endured forced labour by ill-intentioned individuals and almost being forced into prostitution due to her IDP status during the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, she was determined to become an activist and advocate for her community, herself, and fellow women, girls, and youths in the fight against human trafficking.
Ngadi began by offering practical skills training and fostering social integration and social cohesion in host communities for selected displaced survivors and vulnerable women and girls. These programs empower young girls to reclaim agency over their lives and futures.
Additionally, she collaborated with artists to amplify messages denouncing the risks associated with migration and human trafficking, raising awareness and inspiring collective action against exploitation.
Abigail Smith
(South Africa)
Abigail Smith is a South African mother, servant of Christ, and survivor leader dedicated to the fight against human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. She serves on the boards of Survivor Exit Foundation and Embrace Dignity, where she actively advocates for policy change and campaigns against the full decriminalisation of prostitution in South Africa.
Abigail is also the Production Manager at Not I But We, a non-profit organization that empowers survivors of human trafficking through skills development and sustainable work opportunities.
Driven by a deep passion for restoration and justice, she is working towards establishing second-stage housing and survivor-led mentorship programs for survivors of trafficking in persons (TIP) in South Africa. Her life’s mission is to see the complete eradication of prostitution, pornography, and all forms of modern-day slavery.
Abishagy Ndirangu
(Kenya)
Abishagy Ndirangu is an accomplished professional researcher and HR/Admin specialist with a proven record of leadership in human trafficking and advocacy.
As a survivor of online scamming, she has dedicated her career to campaigning against human trafficking and online exploitation.
In 2020, she played a key leadership role in coordinating the successful repatriation of survivors of human trafficking who had been stuck in a foreign country, ensuring their safe return home.
Since then, she has continued to champion survivor-led advocacy through evidence-based research, outreach programs, capacity-building workshops, and collaborative forums with local and international organizations addressing trafficking and exploitation.
With a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience, she is committed to amplifying survivor voices and shaping policy reforms that advance justice, dignity, and safety for individuals with lived experiences.