National and international academic communities and non-profit organizations have conducted several studies to understand sex trafficking and its implications; however, research related to the areas from human rights and social justice standpoints, through the use of Participatory Action Research (PAR), is still marginal. Therefore, this study was initiated to unpack intersectional gender oppression that increased the vulnerability of the women to sex trafficking and hindered trafficking survivors in their reintegration, upon their return to Nepal. PAR, a liberatory and empowerment methodology, was conducted with eight female trafficking survivors who were recognized as “co-researchers”. This study allowed them to critically understand their oppression, develop strategies, and effectively act to address the issues of sex trafficking and their reintegration through a wide range of educational and advocacy campaigns such as conversation café, photovoice, and street dramas. Findings focus on three main areas: (1) socially constructed root causes of sex trafficking; (2) challenges of survivors in their reintegration; and (3) PAR as a transformative tool. Results indicate that intersectional gender oppression as a key factor increases the vulnerability of women to sex trafficking and micro-aggressive behaviors against survivors are one the biggest challenges for survivors in their reintegration. Overall, by utilizing survivors’ knowledge, skills, and experiences in addressing the identified issues, their meaningful and effective involvement for their liberation and emancipation are one of the most unique contributions of this PAR research. This presentation concludes with the discussion of the implications of the study for research policy and practice.
Rita Dhungel, of Nepali birth, is an assistant professor with the School of Social Work and Human Services at the University of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada. Rita has been involved in the anti-trafficking movement through teaching, research, and practice that exemplifies her aspirations for transformative impacts.
Sanjamaya Tamang, a trafficking survivor, is living with HIV. Her determination towards anti-trafficking efforts motivated her to run her own agency, " Shanti Foundation”. Over the last four years, Sanjamaya has been working with the agency in a presidential capacity.