Title: Development of Community-led Approaches to Support Sexual and Reproductive Health among Survivors of Trafficking

1. 1.      Introduction

Due to the economic status in Sierra Leone, women and girls migrate illegally to the Middle East in search of a better life. Sierra Leone is a source, transit, and destination country for children and women trafficked to West African and Middle Eastern countries for forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. Therefore, in this pilot study, we explored the sexual and reproductive health access of survivors of human trafficking returning from the Middle East to their communities in Sierra Leone and Uganda.

 

1.1 Aim

To explore the sexual and reproductive health experiences and expectations of women and girls that have survived trafficking.

1.2 Objectives

To develop community-led approaches to support sexual and reproductive health among survivors of trafficking in Sierra Leone and Uganda.

2. Methodology

This study is qualitative, and two methodological approaches were used; one was Photo Voice, the other was the Participatory Action Cycle Approach, and the participants acted out a play. These approaches were selected to help survivors articulate what is important to them in terms of their sexual and reproductive health and to create then small projects to help make improvements. Ten participants (five in each group) were purposively selected in each country through local organizations working with the survivors.

1. 3.      Results

The first group: Photovoice

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The second group used participatory action research facilitated through reflective participatory action cycles. Participants discussed some of the key challenges facing their community of survivors regarding SRH, explored the root of those challenges, and designed a play to communicate these challenges to stakeholders using creative, arts-based approaches.

 

Conclusion:

1. Accessible, affordable, and survivor-centered care.
2. There is a strong need for guidelines and training for health professionals working with survivors of sex trafficking.
3. Need for advocacy and sensitization campaigns in vulnerable communities.

 

 

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