From Victim of Trafficking to Survivor Advocate in Jordan and Kenya: Insights from 10 Years of Supporting Trafficked Persons
Mary Muroki | September 21 | 11:15 am-12:15 pm
Topic: Experience, International | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Mary Muroki left Kenya in 2002 to fend for her family. For many years, she was in modern slavery in South Africa and Jordan and lost contact with her family. She was reunited with them 20 years later. She has helped hundreds of victims of trafficking to return to their home countries. Mary Muroki rescued herself twice from trafficking situations, but having no documents and no contact to her family, she stayed in Jordan after her escape. After recovery, she started helping trafficked Kenyans and other Africans in Jordan. Beginning on her own initiative in a foreign country, she built a network with religious persons, international expats, Jordan authorities, and NGOs. She became a beacon of hope for victims in Jordan who called her “Mother Mary”. In 2021, she returned to Kenya. After arrival, she was supported by HAART Kenya, an NGO offering holistic support to survivors of human trafficking. Later, she joined HAART as a Survivor Leader and is now also active in HAART prevention and awareness raising work. She is a renowned survivor advocate and a strong voice in the counter trafficking movement. Based on her own experience and uncountable interactions with persons who escaped trafficking, she explores what survivors need to thrive in their lives, and what helps survivors to take a lead in the action against human trafficking.
Presentation Objectives:
· Identify what survivors need to thrive and be active against trafficking
· Give recommendations to organizations for survivor inclusion
· Encourage other survivors to join the movement