The Importance of Survivors in Decision-Making Roles in the Anti-Trafficking Sector
Image Credit: Vidushi Yadav
In recent years, there has been a resounding call to include survivors of various forms of trauma in decision-making processes. However, for survivors of human trafficking, this has been exceptionally challenging. Despite the invaluable insights and perspectives, they offer, they continue to encounter significant barriers to having their voices heard. It is crucial to involve survivors in decision-making, as it benefits both individuals and systems when their voices are heard and respected.
Survivors possess unique insights that can profoundly influence policies, programs, and practices to support them. Their lived experiences offer a depth of understanding that is often missing in approaches to combatting human trafficking. By actively involving survivors in decision-making processes, we can ensure their unique needs, challenges, and strengths are given the attention and consideration they deserve. This inclusive approach not only amplifies the voices of survivors but also leads to more effective and comprehensive strategies to address human trafficking. Their potential to bring about positive change is truly inspiring.
Through the input of survivors in the Survivor Alliance Decision-Making workshops, we were able to identify three goals for survivors in decision-making for the next decade which highlighted these goals:
Goal 1: We will be in decision-making positions in anti-trafficking and anti-slavery organizations.
Goal 2: We will be in decision-making positions in public institutions responsible for the prevention of human trafficking, the prosecution of perpetrators, and the protection of survivors.
Goal 3: We will be trained and mobilized to effectively lead and influence policy and legislation at all levels of government.
Throughout this process, survivors worked together; acknowledging these efforts is important. Survivors set goals and action plans and developed a demand for allies to hear their voices and value their roles. "In this newly realized survivor-led global movement, survivor leaders will be CEOs, directors, politicians, and respected thought leaders. People who look like us, understand us, and value us" (Action Plan, p. 23).
Involvement in decision-making processes empowers survivors, helping them regain control and agency over their lives. "For many of us, our lived experiences are central to why we are so deeply committed to this work. However, our opportunities are minimized when we are asked to sit at decision-making tables, only to share our trauma stories. Survivors carry so much more wisdom, knowledge, and skills than is often acknowledged" (Action Plan, p. 23).
When survivors recognize that their voices are not only heard but also valued, they are more likely to actively participate in global efforts to combat human trafficking and influence decisions that directly impact them. Policies and programs that are co-created with survivors are often more comprehensive and successful in achieving their intended goals. This approach also helps us move away from the historical practice of solely relying on survivors' stories to represent their involvement in the anti-trafficking sector. It can enable us to shift from merely using survivors' stories for symbolic purposes to actively including survivor input in our efforts.
It is crucial to include survivors in decision-making to create systems that truly support and uplift those who need it most. By valuing their voices, we can transform policies, programs, and communities to be more inclusive, effective, and just. As we move forward, let us commit to elevating the voices of survivors and ensuring they have a seat at the table where decisions are made. Survivors’ involvement is not just beneficial; it is necessary for the success of our efforts.
Rebekah Layton
Decision Making Working Group Facilitator
Survivors possess unique insights that can profoundly influence policies, programs, and practices to support them. Their lived experiences offer a depth of understanding that is often missing in approaches to combatting human trafficking. By actively involving survivors in decision-making processes, we can ensure their unique needs, challenges, and strengths are given the attention and consideration they deserve. This inclusive approach not only amplifies the voices of survivors but also leads to more effective and comprehensive strategies to address human trafficking. Their potential to bring about positive change is truly inspiring.
Through the input of survivors in the Survivor Alliance Decision-Making workshops, we were able to identify three goals for survivors in decision-making for the next decade which highlighted these goals:
Goal 1: We will be in decision-making positions in anti-trafficking and anti-slavery organizations.
Goal 2: We will be in decision-making positions in public institutions responsible for the prevention of human trafficking, the prosecution of perpetrators, and the protection of survivors.
Goal 3: We will be trained and mobilized to effectively lead and influence policy and legislation at all levels of government.
Throughout this process, survivors worked together; acknowledging these efforts is important. Survivors set goals and action plans and developed a demand for allies to hear their voices and value their roles. "In this newly realized survivor-led global movement, survivor leaders will be CEOs, directors, politicians, and respected thought leaders. People who look like us, understand us, and value us" (Action Plan, p. 23).
Involvement in decision-making processes empowers survivors, helping them regain control and agency over their lives. "For many of us, our lived experiences are central to why we are so deeply committed to this work. However, our opportunities are minimized when we are asked to sit at decision-making tables, only to share our trauma stories. Survivors carry so much more wisdom, knowledge, and skills than is often acknowledged" (Action Plan, p. 23).
When survivors recognize that their voices are not only heard but also valued, they are more likely to actively participate in global efforts to combat human trafficking and influence decisions that directly impact them. Policies and programs that are co-created with survivors are often more comprehensive and successful in achieving their intended goals. This approach also helps us move away from the historical practice of solely relying on survivors' stories to represent their involvement in the anti-trafficking sector. It can enable us to shift from merely using survivors' stories for symbolic purposes to actively including survivor input in our efforts.
It is crucial to include survivors in decision-making to create systems that truly support and uplift those who need it most. By valuing their voices, we can transform policies, programs, and communities to be more inclusive, effective, and just. As we move forward, let us commit to elevating the voices of survivors and ensuring they have a seat at the table where decisions are made. Survivors’ involvement is not just beneficial; it is necessary for the success of our efforts.
Rebekah Layton
Decision Making Working Group Facilitator