Progress first encountered Aunty Vero at home in her village 鈥� a well-dressed, wealthy woman from the city who had adopted her family, bringing them gifts and treats as her parents struggled to keep them fed and in school.
When Aunty Vero suggested that Progress should travel back with her abroad, she was overjoyed 鈥� she had dropped out of school to help her mother support the family, but dreamed of furthering her studies and this way she could earn money as well.
But the reality upon her arrival was very different. Suddenly she was expected to pay back Aunty Vero for all those gifts, the travel expenses and more. She was expected to work the streets to earn back her debt 鈥� with no way out.
This storyline was fiction 鈥� but based on the true story of one of countless young women and girls who have been pulled into trafficking in Edo state, Nigeria.
The reported facilitating the return of nearly 5,000 Nigerian survivors of trafficking between 2017 and early 2024, of whom 87% were female.
We have been working with local media partners and through powerful storytelling to tackle this chilling statistic, and reduce the vulnerability of young women and girls to sex trafficking. Historically, many women trafficked to Europe, including the UK, were . However, they are increasingly also trafficked from other parts of the country. Women may be lured by the promise of false job offers or education in Europe and/or manipulated through traditional beliefs. In some circumstances, a woman鈥檚 family may support the trafficking for economic reasons.
Using a survivor-led approach, our work is raising awareness while trying to shift deep-rooted social and gender norms that make young women and girls vulnerable.
Through this project, we have
- Delivered training and off-site mentoring to 10 trainees from three radio partner stations and co-produced 17 radio programmes focusing on the dangers of sex trafficking, and other ways for young women and girls to support themselves and their families
- Been developing a community-based entrepreneurship programme through the Girls鈥� Power Initiative, training 180 out-of-school adolescent girls and young women to enable them to start small businesses; and creating a sex trafficking awareness programme for 3,000 community members and are training community volunteers to extend that outreach.
This project is currently suspended awaiting the current review of US aid funding.
Amplifying voices through documentary and drama
We have been producing 30 mini documentaries and documentary dramas, focusing on the lives of young women and girls who have experienced sex trafficking.
How does this help?
Our content does not just tell stories of the horror of sex trafficking. Instead it is shining a light on the lives of these women and girls before, during, and after their experiences. It shows communities, families as well as the women and girls what to watch out for. It supports women who are experiencing or recovering from sex trafficking.
Through our research we know this human-centred approach is the most powerful way to make change.
Our Head of Production and Training, Deji Arosho often describes the stories being created in this project as focused on "trafficking but not trafficking." We focus on the human narratives of young women who have been affected by sex trafficking, yet whose personal experiences are too often overpowered by the typical headlines associated with the issue. Rather than simply focusing on the illicit aspect of sex trafficking, these stories centre on the lived experiences of these women 鈥� their struggles and strength, and the complex realities.
We are working closely with survivor-led organisations in Edo state to ensure that the experiences of young women and girls featured are captured authentically, whilst ensuring that their identities are protected. Families 鈥� especially mothers 鈥� play a crucial role in the promotion and prevention of trafficking in the state, and community leaders are key to making lasting change. By bringing these voices together, we aim to present a comprehensive view of the daily challenges that young girls face, including familial and societal pressure, and the ways that they can be supported and protected.
Our media content aims to inform and inspire action for young girls, as well as their families and community to support their actions. Each story is an opportunity for viewers to reflect on the experiences of others and consider how they might contribute to making a difference in their own communities. And the impact of these stories is extended and amplified by our work with local organisations who focus on empowering girls and young women, to increase access to and the provision of support services.
"I was taught that when I acquire the right information, the right education, with the right skill at hand, I can actually push on鈥� when I started my business, I had to start small and it was not easy鈥� I will encourage every young lady to seek for a skill. Shine!鈥� said one young woman talking about her experience with the initiative.
Through community-based campaigns we are also helping raise awareness among young girls, empower parents and caregivers with knowledge on how to protect their child, and urging community leaders to take a stand against sexual exploitation.
Enhancing awareness = reducing vulnerability
Our work is more than telling stories; it鈥檚 about creating an environment where sex trafficking is less likely to occur. Through our project we believe that information is power. By shedding light on the causes, the networks, and the vulnerabilities that make young women and girls susceptible to trafficking, we can begin to address the issue at its roots.
The documentaries, dramas, and campaigns help create awareness and inspire action - encouraging people in Edo state and beyond to take proactive steps. This includes educating communities about the signs of trafficking, as well as the available support systems for survivors.
A future free from trafficking?
While challenges remain, we are inspired every day by the courage of the women and girls we work with, and the strength of the communities in Edo state. Through collaboration, storytelling, and ongoing support, we hope to create a wave of awareness and change that can lead to a future where young girls and women are no longer at risk of being trafficked.
We are proud to be a part of this work in Edo state 鈥� and we will continue to use the power of media and community-led action to challenge harmful practices, shift attitudes, and prevent trafficking before it starts.
Together, we can create lasting change and protect young girls and women from sex trafficking.
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As part of this project to date, we have produced and broadcast 12 mini-documentaries, produced six mini dramas and broadcast two. Our experienced trainers have delivered on-site thematic and technical training and offsite mentoring to 10 trainees from three radio partner stations and co-produced 17 radio programme with partner radio stations. Through Girls鈥� Power Initiative, we鈥檝e also trained community volunteers to raise awareness of the risks of sex trafficking and amplify local support services and delivered awareness raising sessions to 1,212 community members in Edo state. Our content and more information can be found on social media @bbcmediaactionnaija.
This project is currently subject to the stop-work order pending a review of all US Government aid funding.