“In the End, the Success of Other Survivor Leaders is Everyone’s Success”: Exploring Survivor Leadership Through Photovoice

Author: Cordisco Tsai, Laura; Domingo, Carmina Charmaine; Sowell Van Dyk, Sarah & Salinas, Cheryl

Abstract: Survivor leadership is essential to transformative anti-trafficking policy and practice, yet little research has examined how survivors themselves define it. This study explores the meaning of survivor leadership among survivors of human trafficking in the Philippines using photovoice. Survivor co-researchers identified seven key themes: valuing lived experience, public recognition, survivor-driven program design, access to professional roles, capacity building, increased funding, and collaboration with allies. Each is discussed in the context of anti-human trafficking work. This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goals five (gender equality) and eight (decent work).

Keywords: CBPR, participatory research, photovoice, survivor-centered, survivor leadership, survivor-led, human trafficking