Pauline Akinyi Juma’s journey from trauma to triumph inspires others. As a survivor of sexual and domestic violence, she founded “Rebirth of a Queen,” an organisation dedicated to empowering survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and human trafficking. With programmes like Safe House, Raising Authentic Voices, and the Elimisha Project, her mission is to amplify survivor voices and foster a support system.
Established in 2020, Rebirth of a Queen offers crucial shelter for those affected by trafficking and violence. In an interview, Juma emphasises the need to shift the conversation away from perpetrators and instead focus on survivors and prevention. She highlights the global misunderstanding of human trafficking, which often leaves victims without justice and vulnerable to further danger.
In Kenya alone, an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 individuals are victims of sex trafficking, yet government support remains scarce. Juma reveals that their shelter is often at full capacity, housing 38 survivors at present. The limited resources mean many victims remain trapped in their circumstances, lacking safe havens.
Juma confronts societal disbelief regarding human trafficking, stating, “People still believe it is not happening.” To combat this, she stresses the importance of amplifying victims’ voices and addressing deeper societal issues like poverty, which often drives migration and exploitation.
Human dignity must remain at the forefront of efforts to combat trafficking. Juma advocates for inclusivity in programme creation, ensuring that survivors can contribute to solutions. She believes lasting change requires more than just words; it necessitates mobilising collective action to forge a robust network dedicated to eradicating human trafficking.
Pauline Akinyi Juma founded “Rebirth of a Queen” to support survivors of human trafficking after her own experience with violence. The organisation features various programmes like Safe House and Raising Authentic Voices, aiming to empower and educate those affected. Juma highlights the need for societal change towards survivors’ voices and emphasises the importance of human dignity in the fight against trafficking.
Pauline Akinyi Juma’s Rebirth of a Queen serves as a beacon of hope for survivors of human trafficking and violence. By fostering awareness, support, and inclusive empowerment, the organisation aims to shift societal narratives and combat the inadequacies surrounding victim support. Recognising the importance of human dignity, Juma believes collaborative action is essential for creating a safer world for all.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
