Ferdousi Akter, a survivor of human trafficking, shared her journey from being rescued to becoming a caregiver for others with similar experiences at a workshop called “A Survivor Care Model Led by Individuals with Lived Experience: From Experience to Expertise” organized by Justice and Care in Dhaka.
During the workshop, practitioners, officials, and development partners gathered to explore how firsthand experiences can enhance survivor care services.
Ferdousi described her progression from victim to survivor to champion survivor and finally to a caregiver, highlighting the challenges she faced and the empathy she now offers to fellow survivors.
She emphasized the importance of survivor-led care, which involves continuous support from rescue to rehabilitation, peer mentoring, family counseling, and personalized development training. By sharing her own struggles, Ferdousi expressed how survivors find it easier to connect with peers who have gone through similar hardships.
By tailoring support to individual needs and fostering trust through shared experiences, Ferdousi believes survivors can gradually rebuild their lives with hope and confidence.
The workshop introduced a new model where trained peer facilitators with lived experiences provide structured aftercare services, including counseling, peer mentoring, and life skills training. This approach aims to improve trust, engagement, and long-term reintegration outcomes for survivors.
M Jashim Uddin Khan, additional secretary of the home ministry, emphasized the value of incorporating survivor perspectives in care models, noting that their insights are crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by survivors.
Tahera Jabeen, social development adviser at the British High Commission, highlighted the importance of survivor leadership in shaping effective policies and programs, making services more responsive to real needs.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Mohammed Tariqul Islam, country director of Justice and Care, underscoring the significance of survivor-centered approaches in combating human trafficking.
