Since the early 2000s, there has been a growing focus on human trafficking, with scholars, advocates, policy makers, and survivors increasingly contributing to the narrative. The International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference has encapsulated two decades of national and global discussions on human trafficking and social justice issues. For this presentation, conference abstracts from 2004 to 2023 were analyzed using thematic analysis. The researchers reviewed and coded each abstract. Using inter-coder reliability, differences were resolved through discussion to establish consensus. Themes were developed inductively as they emerged from the abstracts. The two presenters would like to thank Anna Schramm for her contribution to the analysis of conference data and findings. This presentation sheds light on those enduring narratives, the evolving discourse on intersectionality, and the changing landscape of national and international dialogues surrounding human trafficking. It prompts reflection on our collective learnings and encourages deliberation on the future trajectory of the international conversation in this crucial area.
Busisiwe Nkosi has a social science background and has worked with women and children affected by family and domestic abuse in South Africa. Her interests includes tension in the ethical and legal frameworks in service provision for abused women and children. Busisiwe is currently a Master of Social Work student at The University of Toledo.
Dr. Celia Williamson has been engaged in anti-anti-trafficking work for 30+ years. Dr. Williamson directs the Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute at The University of Toledo and co-chairs the IHTSJ Conference. Dr. Williamson is recognized as the 14th most influential social worker within the last ten years as acknowledged by AcademicInfluence.com.