This study examines the intersections between female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and human trafficking. The questions that guided this research include: 1) How do FGM/C and human trafficking intersect across contexts? and 2) What pathways link these forms of exploitation, and how are they experienced by survivors and identified by service providers? Limited research and inconsistent global definitions constrain understanding of these intersections. The research team for this study included lived experience expert researchers and service providers with expertise in FGM/C and human trafficking. The literature review included 114 articles and nontraditional sources, and data collected for this study emerged from interviews with 29 experts, including service providers and lived experience experts across 24 countries. Methods included semi-structured, virtual interviews with trauma-informed translation and interpretation available upon request. Findings identify three primary intersection pathways: forced or child marriage, trafficking while fleeing FGM/C, and trafficking after FGM/C. Key emerging trends included: sexual and labor exploitation of displacement, mysticism and organ trafficking of female genitalia, sex trafficking in White Christian communities in the United States, and the historical ties between FGM/C and sex trafficking through the Red Sea Slave Trade. Additional themes include intergenerational trauma, gendered devaluation, and exploitation linked to organized networks and demand. Gaps in training, screening, and definitions hinder effective identification and response. These findings highlight the need for cross-sector training, improved screening practices, and standardized definitions. Addressing these intersections is critical for prevention, victim identification, and strengthening global responses to gender-based violence.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Dr. Shobana Powell is the CEO of Shobana Powell Consulting, a team of clinical, legal, and survivor/lived experience experts who provide training and technical assistance on the intersectionality of human trafficking and systemic oppression. Dr. Powell has provided trauma therapy and led human trafficking programs across the U.S.
Kathy Givens is a social impact consultant, writer, and speaker advancing survivor leadership and systems change. As a former presidential appointee to the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, she designs trauma-informed programs, trains diverse audiences, and leverages lived experience to shape policy, strengthen communities, and drive survivor-centered solutions.
Mariya Taher is an award-winning social activist with 15+ years dedicated to ending gender-based violence. In 2015, she co-founded Sahiyo, a leading transnational organization committed to empowering communities to end female genital cutting (FGM/C). Her exceptional leadership was recognized with the 2023 L’Oreal Paris USA Women of Worth award.
Liz Dubberley is the Senior Manager of Global Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning at Nomi Network. She specializes in systems building, program design, and impact measurement in poverty reduction and anti-trafficking programming and is particularly interested in the intersection between migration/ mobility, gender, and climate change.
Nuzhat Zaman is a reproductive justice advocate focused on ending FGM/C within South Asian and Muslim communities. She leads survivor-centered initiatives, including digital storytelling and global convenings, and advances anti-racist, decolonial advocacy. Her work integrates research, training, and capacity building to strengthen community-led prevention and equitable policy change.
Dr. Angie Cameron Schultz is a Sociology Professor and Executive Director of the Social Research Lab at the University of Northern Colorado. She has interviewed over 160 survivors, studies sex buyer behavior, advises national policy, presents internationally, and serves as an expert witness on trafficking, exploitation, and trauma.