Azadi Kenya

This year was tough for human rights, but we made real progress with incredible teamwork. From driving policy changes to amplifying survivor voices, it’s been a year of action and impact with highlights including: ?? Securing European Council endorsement of the CSDDD. ?? Supporting the Global Forum for Migrant Workers in Kenya, involving 150 migrant workers. ?? The passing of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner Act in Australia following advocacy. ?? Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking winning the Principles for Responsible Investment Award. ?? The Roosevelt Freedom From Fear award recognising decades of work. A big thank you to our partners and supporters - you made this work possible, and we’re grateful for your ongoing dedication and commitment. As 2024 closes, we’re ready to build on this year’s efforts and continue pushing for lasting change.

Hello Friends, As we wrap up this year, we want to thank you for your incredible support throughout 2024!.Our office will be closed from 13th December 2024 to 13th January 2025 to allow our team to rest, recharge, and celebrate with their loved ones. We'll be back in the new year, ready to continue making a difference together! Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy, prosperous 2025. See you soon! #FestiveSeason #ThankYou #SeeYouIn2025 #Solidaritywithsurvivors

When I was young, art was my world, and I immersed myself in it with such passion that even my sister believed I was destined to be an artist. Years later, she confessed how surprised she was when life took me on a completely different path. Fast forward to my time at the Christian Action safe house in Hong Kong, where I found myself reconnecting with that long-lost passion. One of the activities was creating art - masks, purses, booklets, necklaces, earrings—you name it. Everything we crafted was sold back to the safe house, and some we consumed. While the materials were provided, it gave us a chance to earn a little extra money. ? When I returned home, I started small, using spray paint to transform my plain fridge into a colorful canvas. It wasn’t just decoration—it was a step towards reclaiming the creative side of me that I had neglected for years. Shortly after, I was selected for an ethical storytelling project?at Azadi Kenya. I poured myself into the project, creating collages late into the night and using photographs to capture moments that resonated deeply. Photography had already proven to be my ally—I’ll never forget how my attention to detail and skill with a camera played a pivotal role in winning my case back in Hong Kong. One particular trip to the Kenyan coast stands out. I was on my way to meet Grace Odembo at Okoa Sasa, but in mid-journey, I had a severe panic attack on the train. The people around me whispered accusations of pretension, which only worsened my anxiety. Water and snacks didn’t help, but then I remembered the camera entrusted to me by Azadi Kenya. I started snapping photos right there on the moving train, channeling my panic into creativity. Those photos turned out to be some of my best work, each piece telling its own story of resilience and transformation. When Survivor Alliance reached out to me, I was taken aback. Up until then, I thought my value was seen only in research consultancies. But at the World Congress, my art and photography stole the show, reaffirming that this passion had a significant place in my advocacy work. I remembered to redeem points at the Survivor Leadership Academy (SLA), a convening organized by Survivor Network Cameroon- AWAH FRANCISCA MBULI and Free the Slaves with funding from The Freedom Fund Fund. I redeemed the points from Jackline Mwende from Free the Slaves and? she connected me with Kennedy Muthama, a talented web designer. Today, I welcome you to Willz-All-Weather-Forms of Art & Photography - ?willzallweather.com this venture is more than just a business—it’s a journey of healing, resilience, and courage. Through my art and photography, we aim to tell stories that blend beauty and meaning, shining a light on experiences of struggle and triumph. Join me in using creativity as a force for transformation. Together, let’s celebrate the power of art to heal, inspire, and empower.

As part of the Global Commission on #ModernSlavery and #HumanTrafficking, I visited Bahrain to discuss how we can ensure the world does not forget the 50 million people living in modern slavery. Or the millions more on the brink of extreme exploitation due to inadequate wages, confiscation of documents, control over their mobility, exploitation and abuse. Amongst compounding global crises, addressing modern slavery, in all its forms, remains an urgent issue. In Bahrain, the Commission witnessed firsthand, that when government collaborates with those with lived experience, change and progress are possible. For instance, we saw that a system to support workers is evolving - the Labour Market Regulatory Authority has committed to a responsive and integrated set of solutions for workers who face challenges with wages or abuse. We also met with government leaders who pledged their support to end modern slavery and extreme exploitation. Most importantly, we heard from civil society leaders - many of whom are workers themselves - about what is useful to them, and how they support each other in difficult times. The key takeaway from this visit and the heart of this work: People continue to show up for each other and act in solidarity despite differences in language, ethnicity, race, gender, and religion. It is only with this spirit that we will bring an end to all forms of modern slavery. It is this spirit that I carried back from Bahrain. Sophie Otiende Grace Forrest Global Migrant Workers Network The Freedom Fund Walk Free Azadi Kenya

Hello Friends, We are currently looking for a Self-Defense and Martial Arts Trainer. Please find the link to the details of this opportunity below. https://lnkd.in/dtTb2RXY #jobvacancy #EndHumanTrafficking #solidaritywithwomen #Solidaritywithsurvivors

Azadi recognises the complex problems trauma and multiple victimisation can cause survivors of human trafficking.? This recognition is key to our long-term collective care approach. Learn more about our trauma informed and collective healing approach in this article by Faith Mwangi and Linzy Otieno: https://lnkd.in/gSRay7gF #mentalhealth?#communitycare

Hello Friends, We were honored to have our partners from Creative for Social Impact in the Not Invisible Anymore (NIA) program, supported by The Freedom Fund , visit our resource center to train the team on communication. The training focused on communication needs, messaging channels, and barriers related to them, as well as a clear understanding of what we do as an organization. These partnerships are important for developing our skills, enhancing performance, and fostering collaboration. #Solidaritywithsurvivors #Endmodernslavery #communicationtraining #Partnerships

Hello Friends, Mariam Awori , Program Manager for the Survivor Leadership and Advocacy portfolio, Wanjiku Mwangi Faith the Managing Director, and our Founder Sophie Otiende participated at the Asia Region Anti Trafficking Conference in Bali, Indonesia. Mariam and Faith’s presentation was focused on meaningful inclusion of people with lived experience. The training covered definitions, practical ways to practice meaningful inclusion and the challenges to achieve this. This presentation is drawn from the wider work that we do to support organizations and people looking for practical ways to ensure that they are including people with lived experience in their organizations. In our true spirit of prioritizing rest, the team also took some time after the forum to rest and bond with each other and if the pictures are anything to go by, our envy as a community was warranted.

Hello Friends, Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we honor humanitarians who lost their lives while serving others. This day reminds us of the importance of advocating for humanity, pursuing justice, and upholding the essential principles that guide humanitarian efforts worldwide. As an organization in the fight against human trafficking, we call on the amplification of the voices of survivors, ensure justice for the exploited, and build a world where every person is free from exploitation and harm. #Worldhumanitarianday #Endhumantrafficking #Humanity #Solidaritywithsurvivors

Hello Friends, We recognize the importance of healthy relationships and community as a core part of healing and intentionally work with survivors to teach, provide tools, and create a space where they can develop them. Last week we had an art therapy session where survivors use the creative process of making poetry to improve their physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. The Safeguarding and Well-being team explored the use of poetry with the community and Identified aspects of self and self-identity. As a community, we curated poems that best describe us individually and as a whole, hence increasing our self-awareness. #Endhumantrafficking #Solidaritywithsurvivors #Safeguarding #Mentalhealth #Endmodernslavery