Browsing by Author "Oyebanji, Fisayo Kemi"

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    The processes of reintegration and reintegration experiences of trafficked women survivors: narratives from Lagos Nigeria and Cape Town South Africa
    (University of the Western Cape, 2025) Oyebanji, Fisayo Kemi
    The effects of human trafficking are complex, cutting across all stages of trafficking from pre- trafficking to post-trafficking. Tackling this issue is challenging, due to the ongoing increase in the movement of people from one place to another. Responses to human trafficking are multifaceted, with its hidden nature making such responses a difficult task. After exiting trafficked environments, survivors face complexities that influence their return to their communities and their ability to live a normal life. The success of reintegration programmes is crucial for human trafficking survivors, yet this area has been under-researched. This study used a qualitative feminist framework to explore the complexities of the reintegration experiences of young women survivors of human trafficking from Nigeria and South Africa between the ages of 18 and 45 Using snowballing and convenience sampling methods, repeated unstructured in-depth interviews were conducted with five survivors of human trafficking from Nigeria and five from South Africa. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data. The findings show that multiple intersecting factors shape the reintegration experiences of these young women. Their narratives reveal how gender and other factors played a role in their reintegration experiences. Survivors reported that the rehabilitation processes at safe houses and rehabilitation centres were very strict, posing challenges for those undergoing these programmes. While nearly all the interviewed survivors expressed a desire to be assisted in returning home to their loved ones, only one participant was successfully reunited with their family. The reintegration process showed the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation and acceptance within the family for the successful reintegration of trafficking survivors. Additionally, feelings of shame and guilt and limited financial resources hindered successful reintegration into communities. Interestingly, for some survivors, the decision not to return home to their families emerged as a coping and survival strategy. This study sheds light on the often overlooked voices of women survivors of trafficking regarding their reintegration, a perspective that is frequently absent in trafficking research. Importantly, findings from this study will be critical for policy and intervention purposes.