2024 MENA Regional Forum on Trafficking in Persons
Dates: December 10-12, 2024
Location: Zoom Webinar
Theme
Strengthening Protections for Vulnerable Populations Against Human Trafficking and Forced Labor in the MENA Region.
Daily Focus and Anticipated Outcomes
Day One: December 10, 2024
Protecting Vulnerable Populations in Conflict and Post-Conflict Zones
Day Two: December 11, 2024
Protecting Vulnerable Populations and addressing Forced Labor under Temporary Migration Schemes
Day Three: December 12, 2024
Enhancing Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration and Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations
Event Schedule
Day 1
Tuesday, December 10
Protecting Vulnerable Populations in Conflict and Post-Conflict Zone
11:00am
Welcome
Dr. Davina P. Durgana
Free The Slaves
Board Director
Bio
Davina P. Durgana, PhD is an award-winning international human rights statistician and professor with almost 15 years of experience developing leading global models to assess risk to modern slavery. Dr. Durgana is Senior Multilateral Engagement Advisor of the Minderoo Foundation and leads Americas Policy and Quantitative Research as a Report Co-Author of the Global Slavery Index of Walk Free. Minderoo Foundation is one of the largest philanthropies in Asia-Pacific with over $2 billion AUD in funding across an array of issues from eliminating plastic waste in the oceans to ending modern slavery. She is fluent in French, Spanish, and English.
Dr. Durgana is an AAAS Ambassador, Forbes Under 30 Alumni board member, and serves on the Board of Directors of Free the Slaves. She is an American Statistical Association Statistical Advocate of the Year, and Chair of Statistics without Borders, and she has been widely recognised for her work on statistical modeling, human security theory, and human trafficking. Dr. Durgana collaborated on two episodes of Emmy-nominated series Mission Unstoppable and will be featured in upcoming book “Wonder Women of Science: Twelve Geniuses Who Are Currently Rocking Science, Technology, and the World” by Candlewick Publishers to help encourage women and girls to see the ways STEM can be used in everyday life and exciting fields.
Dr. Durgana has over 28 publications and she is a prolific and effective public speaker. She has given over 100 invited talks, including over 30 keynote addresses. Dr. Durgana is a Royal Chartered and Professionally Accredited Statistician. Since 2013, she has also served as a Professor of Research Methods, Irregular Warfare, International Development, Global Public Health, and Inclusive and Human Security at leading universities.
11:00am
Opening Remarks
Bryon Lippincott
Free the Slaves
Head of Communications and Digital Engagement
Bio
Bryon Lippincott is the Head of Communications and Digital Engagment for Free the Slaves. He is passionate about helping people who are marginalized or vulnerable experience safe and abundant lives within healthy communities, as well as helping organizations represent the people who participate in their programs in ways that honor their dignity and respect their value as human beings.
Prior to working for Free the Slaves, Bryon ran a creative agency specializing in strategic communications and media production for NGOs in Asia. He has partnered with more than 100 organizations and individuals in 13 countries. In this role, he partnered with organizations working with child vulnerability, anti-trafficking, HIV/AIDS, refugees, agriculture, poverty alleviation/community development, and education.
Though Bryon was born and raised in Nebraska, USA, on a family farm, his love for culture and humanitarian causes brought him to Asia, where he has been living and working for more than ten years. He lived in China and Cambodia before moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he lives now with his wife, two teenage children, and two cats.
Bryon holds an M.A. in Strategic Communication from California Baptist University.
11:00am
Sherrynorth “Missi”
African Survivor Coalition
Survivor Leader and Advocate for Trafficking Victims
Bio
Sherrynorth Lamisi Attakora, known as Missi Resilience, is a human trafficking survivor turned global advocate for marginalized communities. Overcoming immense hardships as an orphan, street child, single mother, and trafficking victim, she has transformed her experiences into a mission to empower others. Sherrynorth founded the Sherrynorth Real Life Foundation (SRLF), which supports survivors, single mothers, orphans, and street children through emotional support, skills training, and reintegration opportunities.
Currently a Strategic Communication student at Knutsford University College, Sherrynorth blends her education with advocacy, using media platforms like Real Life with Missi on UNFPA’s Orange Radio and TikTok to amplify survivor stories. Her leadership includes collaborations with Survivor Alliance and IOM to drive systemic change and assist trafficking victims.
Sherrynorth’s creative talents shine through her songs, performances, and an upcoming book and movie chronicling her journey of resilience. Her innovative work links human trafficking with environmental issues, demonstrating a fresh approach to advocacy. A trailblazer and inspiration, Sherrynorth’s story embodies the power of determination to turn adversity into hope and empowerment for others.
11:25am
Panel 1: Grassroots Approaches to Combating Human Trafficking in Conflict and Post-Conflict Zones
This session will explore the questions:
- How do grassroots organizations combat human trafficking in conflict zones?
- What innovative strategies are they using to provide essential services and build resilience?
- How do these approaches address the unique vulnerabilities of women and children?
- What role does survivor engagement support play in recovery efforts, and how can these lessons be scaled regionally?
Elisa Franceschinis - Moderator
en.v
Managing Director
Bio
Elisa Franceschinis has over 17 years of experience working in the non-profit sector in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. For the past 9 years she has been the Managing Director of en.v, a Kuwait-based non-profit dedicated to promoting equity, transforming mindsets, fostering agency, and strengthening solidarity through inclusive, participatory approaches. In last decade, she has focused on developing programs that support underserved communities and youth in building engagement skills while collaboratively addressing systemic barriers to inclusion and creating safe spaces for cross-sector collaboration. She has extensive experience developing and delivering training to civil society organizations and grassroots activists in topics such as strategic planning, governance, program design and evaluation, as well as in facilitating the creation of collaborative networks. She has also led several participatory research projects focused on promoting greater inclusion across civil society and the education sector. Passionate about shifting the narrative on migration in the Gulf, Elisa works to foster dialogue between civil society, public and private institutions, and migrant workers, promoting intersectional analyses and more compassionate, equitable policies and systems. Elisa has an MA in Gender Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a BA in Political Science from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver.
Lucy Turay
Domestic Workers Advocacy Network
Founder
Bio
Awah Francisca Mbuli
Survivor Network Comeroon
Founder
Bio
Awah Francisca Mbuli is a survivor of sex and labor trafficking. She is the founder of Survivors’ Network (SN), a Cameroonian-based, female survivors-led NGO that fights against all forms of human trafficking. SN rescues and provides temporary housing, psychosocial services, vocational training, and economic empowerment programs to victims of human trafficking and internally displaced women. She advocates both with governments and the general population.
For her efforts, Awah has been awarded numerous distinctions, including, but not limited to being one of the 50 Most Influential Cameroonians and an Obama Africa Leader and having received the African Dream Achievers Award, the US Trafficking in Persons Hero award, and the World of Difference Award 2022 for Economic Empowerment of Women.
Mira Bene
Mesewat
Emergency Response Coordinator
Bio
Mira Austin Bene is a dedicated legal human rights activist with over 8 years of experience advocating for the rights of migrant workers, particularly in Lebanon. She is currently the Emergency Response Coordinator at Mesewat, a migrant-led grassroots organization, where she plays a pivotal role in safeguarding vulnerable communities.
Her professional journey includes serving as the Center Coordinator at the Migrant Community Center in Saida and later advancing to the position of Legal Coordinator at the Anti-Racism Movement. In 2020, she was promoted to Legal Officer, where she further honed her expertise in policy advocacy and legal defense.
Mira holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and a Master’s Degree in Lebanese Public Law and International Public Law, specializing in Policy and Advocacy with a focus on migrant workers’ rights.
Throughout her career, she has achieved significant milestones, including successfully securing refugee status for numerous migrant workers through UNHCR, providing vital documentation support for statelessness cases, and training lawyers and case workers to manage complex legal cases.
Salahedine Juma
Human rights defender and community activist
Bio
Salahadine Juma, a 28-year-old advocate from Sudan, is a passionate human rights defender and community activist dedicated to combating human trafficking and forced labor. Currently residing in France since June 2024, Salahadine’s journey into human rights advocacy began during three challenging years in Libya.
Amid personal struggles in Libya, Salahadine witnessed and experienced the exploitation faced by vulnerable populations, inspiring him to take a stand. His advocacy focuses on protecting the rights of marginalized communities, particularly those affected by modern slavery, and raising awareness about the systemic issues fueling forced labor and trafficking.
Salahadine continues to work tirelessly to amplify the voices of survivors and mobilize efforts to end human trafficking and forced labor globally. His resilience and commitment have made him a prominent voice in the fight for justice and human dignity.
12:20pm
Panel 2: From Policy to Practice: Strengthening Protections for Vulnerable Populations
This session will explore the questions:
- How can policies be effectively implemented to protect vulnerable populations?
- What are the gaps in legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms?
- How can international standards be adapted to local contexts?
- What role do governments, businesses, and NGOs play in ensuring accountability and transparency in combating human trafficking?
Rima Kalush - Moderator
Migrant-Rights.org
Program Manager
Bio
Rima Kalush is the program manager of Migrant-Rights.org, an advocacy and research organization focused on the Gulf states and wider Southwest Asia-North Africa region. Her work has been published and referenced by Al Jazeera, the International Labour Organisation, and Jadaliyya, among other institutions. She holds a BA in History and in Politics from the University of California, Davis, and an MPhil in Middle Eastern Area Studies from the University of Oxford. She has recently returned to Oxford as a DPhil student in Migration Studies, where she is focused n the situation of migrant workers in Libya.
Halifet Aye
Wollo University
Law Lecturer
Bio
Halifet Ayemohammed Yusuf
Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, Halifet Ayemohammed Yusuf is an Ethiopian Law Lecturer at Wollo University. In addition to her academic role, she serves as a Human Rights Officer and Focal Person for Dessie at the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, where she is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in the region. Halifet is also a research associate on the project “”Geopolitics at the Margins – Exploring Emergent Political Orders Across the Red Sea”” at the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) at Addis Ababa University. In this capacity, she contributes to research and analysis on the geocultural dynamics of migration between the Horn of Africa and the Gulf countries, specifically focusing on the interactions between Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar through educational initiatives.
Halifet completed her MA in Applied Islamic Ethics from Hamad bin Khalifa University, Qatar, in 2022. Her MA thesis explored the detention and deportation of Ethiopian migrants from the GCC from an Islamic Ethical and Human Rights perspective. She also completed her second master’s LLM in Human Rights Law at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, in 2023. Her LLM thesis researched the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and its contribution to realizing the right to development in the Nile basin from a human rights-based approach. As a young Ethiopian female law professional, Halifet is a passionate human rights researcher who has presented various legal topics concerning mainly irregular migration to the GCC and women’s rights in Ethiopia. She speaks Amharic, Arabic, and English.
Mariam Khayat
Beyond
Director
Bio
Mariam Khayat ASSI, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BEYOND ASSOCIATION. University graduate in Theater, working in the field of Human Rights for more than 30 years through the establishment of Social Protection Centers. Consultant for many Ministries and participated in putting strategies and action plans. Developed training materials in different topics targeting staff and lay leader in the Lebanese NGOs and civil society, along with conducting research studies related to Human rights.
Expert in the Humanitarian Aid and child protection intervention during the crisis.
Member of the National committee for combatting worst form of child labor, since 2003, as a representative of the national Lebanese NGOs and participated in formulating the national strategy and action plan 2013 – 2016 and its revision 2017 -2020.
International consultant participated in formulating the comments on Article 31 right to play as a representative of the Middle East civil society.
Rana Husseini
The Jordan Times
Senior Reporter
Bio
As a Jordanian woman who is the author of “Years of Struggle – The Women’s Movement in Jordan (2021) and “Murder in the Name of Honor (2009)”, a human rights activist and senior journalist writing for The Jordan Times, Husseini focused on social issues for around 30 years with a special emphasis on violence against women, as well as the brutal crimes committed against Jordanian women in the name of family honor. Husseini has earned 10 local and international awards, including a medal from King Abdullah II in 2007, the Reebok Human Rights Award in 1998 for reporting on such crimes and The London Arabia Organization Arab Woman of the Year Award in 2019 for social impact. In addition to her extensive experience in the journalism field, Husseini has conducted several consultancies and advocacy for women for local and international organizations, and UN agencies. She also conducted dozens of training courses for journalists and students on gender-based violence (GBV) reporting and took part in dozens of local and international conferences as a main speaker on women empowerment and leadership involvement, gender-based violence and human rights issues.
Dara Foi’Elle
Migrant Work Action
Policy and Communication Manager at Migrant Workers Action (MWA)
Bio
Dara Foi’Elle is an Assyrian advocate for migrant rights and gender equality, with a deep commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalised communities. She has a BA in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Zurich and an LLM in International Criminal Justice and Armed Conflict from the University of Nottingham and has worked for nearly a decade on human rights and transitional justice in Syria, Syrian refugees in Lebanon as well as on minority rights for Assyrians. Dara is the Policy and Communications Manager of Migrant Workers’ Action, an organisation working on migrant workers’ rights and advocating against the Kafala System in Lebanon. She leads the organisation’s research, advocacy and communications work including supporting the community organising efforts of the Reclaim Our Rights collective. With experience in participatory research, content development, and community organizing, Dara strives to create inclusive solutions that promote justice, dignity, and opportunity for all.
1:10pm
This workshop provides an in-depth exploration of the challenges faced by grassroots organizations in conflict and post-conflict zones and highlights actionable responses to address these issues.
Hind Francis - Facilitator
Social Work Society
Bio
Hind Francis is a multi-disciplinary researcher with a passion for making a real impact.
She is a strong believer in the transformative power of curiosity, knowledge, dedication and collaboration as fundamental drivers of change, highlighting their collective potential to contribute to the improvement of societies and the world at large.
Hind’s career journey spans diverse industries, including impactful roles in news media, philanthropy, and consulting. At the heart of her work is a commitment to solution-focused research, where she thrives on turning complex challenges into opportunities.
She is currently the Social Work and Communications Manager at Social Work Society (SWS); a civil society organization that supports and advocates for migrant workers in Kuwait.
Day 2
Wednesday, December 11
Protecting Vulnerable Populations and Addressing Forced Labor under Temporary Migration Schemes
11:00am
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Davina P. Durgana
Free The Slaves
Board Director
Bio
Davina P. Durgana, PhD is an award-winning international human rights statistician and professor with almost 15 years of experience developing leading global models to assess risk to modern slavery. Dr. Durgana is Senior Multilateral Engagement Advisor of the Minderoo Foundation and leads Americas Policy and Quantitative Research as a Report Co-Author of the Global Slavery Index of Walk Free. Minderoo Foundation is one of the largest philanthropies in Asia-Pacific with over $2 billion AUD in funding across an array of issues from eliminating plastic waste in the oceans to ending modern slavery. She is fluent in French, Spanish, and English.
Dr. Durgana is an AAAS Ambassador, Forbes Under 30 Alumni board member, and serves on the Board of Directors of Free the Slaves. She is an American Statistical Association Statistical Advocate of the Year, and Chair of Statistics without Borders, and she has been widely recognised for her work on statistical modeling, human security theory, and human trafficking. Dr. Durgana collaborated on two episodes of Emmy-nominated series Mission Unstoppable and will be featured in upcoming book “Wonder Women of Science: Twelve Geniuses Who Are Currently Rocking Science, Technology, and the World” by Candlewick Publishers to help encourage women and girls to see the ways STEM can be used in everyday life and exciting fields.
Dr. Durgana has over 28 publications and she is a prolific and effective public speaker. She has given over 100 invited talks, including over 30 keynote addresses. Dr. Durgana is a Royal Chartered and Professionally Accredited Statistician. Since 2013, she has also served as a Professor of Research Methods, Irregular Warfare, International Development, Global Public Health, and Inclusive and Human Security at leading universities.
11:15am
Keynote speech: The Impact of Temporary Migration Schemes on Vulnerable Populations and Forced Labor
Margaret Kabue
KDWO-Q
Chairperson
Bio
Migrant worker based in Doha and the Chairperson of KDWO-Q -Kenya Domestic Workers Organization Qatar
11:25am
This session will explore the questions:
- What are the realities faced by migrant workers under temporary migration schemes?
- How do thesesystems leave workers vulnerable to forced labor and exploitation?
- What specific challenges do women and marginalized groups face within these schemes?
- How can grassroots and policy-level interventions address these vulnerabilities effectively?
Mustafa Qadri - Moderator
Equidem
Founder and CEO
Bio
Mustafa Qadri is the Founder and Executive Director of Equidem Research and Consulting, managing all our projects and partner relationships. He is a human rights research and advocacy expert with 20 years of interdisciplinary experience in government and public international law, journalism and the non-governmental sector. He is the author of several landmark human rights reports into the construction industry, civil and political rights issues, and media freedom, including most recently The ugly side of the beautiful game – the first independent human rights investigation to uncover labour abuse on Qatar 2022 World Cup construction sites.
To date, The ugly side report has the most extensive analysis of industry labour standards in Qatar ever carried out against the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and other international standards. Mustafa has carried out human rights investigations, advocacy and training on several countries including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Qatar, UAE, UK, and USA. Mustafa began his career as a solicitor at the Public Interest Advocacy Centre (2002) before advising the Attorney-General of Australia (2003-06), first on indigenous land rights cases before Australian federal courts, then on international criminal treaty negotiations with states in Asia and the Middle East. He has also represented indigenous land owners in negotiations with multi-national mining corporations in the Pilbara region of far north-western Australia (2006). As a journalist reporting for The Guardian (UK), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and others, he has carried out investigations in the Middle East and South Asia (2008-10). Before founding Equidem, Mustafa was a senior human rights researcher with Human Rights Watch (2010-11) and Amnesty International (2011-2016). Mustafa is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Human Rights and Business, a member of the Advisory Board to Forensic Architecture, and a member of the Board of Directors to CORE Coalition.
Ann Abunda
Sandigan Kuwait Domestic Worker Association
Head Volunteer and Founding Chairperson
Bio
Ann Abunda is from the Philippines and lives in Kuwait. She is Head Volunteer and Founding Chairperson of Sandigan Kuwait and Sandigan Kuwait Domestic Worker Association.
Aidah Muli
Independent
Advocate and Researcher
Bio
I am passionate about advocating against human trafficking and forced labor. I am not only a mother but also a philanthropist, a survivor leader, and a dedicated advocate in the fight against human trafficking. In 2022, I co-founded the Migrant Defenders Organisation. However, I have since moved on and am currently serving as a project management intern at Counter Human Trafficking Trust East Africa. Additionally, I hold a role as a survivor leader at the Global Migrant Workers Network and Free the Slaves. I am proud to be a part of the Kenya Survivor Committee leading Alliance 8.7 process in Kenya, which focuses on addressing issues such as human trafficking, child labor, forced labor, and modern-day slavery. I am continuously expanding my knowledge and skills to effectively run and manage organizations and work in a professional capacity, driven by my commitment to combating these pervasive issues.
Bhim Shrestha
Shramik Sanjal
Co-founder and director
Bio
Along with my inspiration to be the voice for the voiceless, I strongly practice the values of my life Honesty, Humanity, and Hard Work which inspire me to engage in community work, initiate and lead something that will create an agency to combat for injustices-enabling them to live with dignity.
George Muturi
Bahrain Kenyan Society
Bio
My name is Pastor George Muturi, and I have dedicated the past 16 years of my life to serving as a Liaison Officer for the Bahrain Kenyan Society. In this role, I am wholeheartedly committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of Kenyan expatriates living in Bahrain. I offer unwavering support and guidance to migrants, assisting them in navigating the complexities of living in a foreign country and ensuring they are informed about and able to exercise their rights. My main focus is on raising awareness and providing voluntary assistance to those in need within the community.
In addition to my work with the Bahrain Kenyan Society, I collaborate with other organizations and African communities in Bahrain to conduct awareness campaigns, workshops, and cultural events. This collaborative effort allows us to create a stronger support network for all Africans living in Bahrain.
Apart from my voluntary work, I am an employee of National Motor Company working as a customer service agent for Leasing. This role has provided me with the opportunity to develop strong customer relations skills and a steadfast commitment to delivering service excellence. I am proud to bring these qualities to my community advocacy efforts, where I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of my fellow Kenyans in Bahrain.
12:30pm
Panel 2: Policy Frameworks and Strategies to Support Vulnerable Populations
This session will explore the questions:
- How can policy frameworks be strengthened to better protect vulnerable populations under temporary migration schemes?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve accountability and enforcement?
- How can international labor standards be adapted to local contexts to ensure fairness and equity?
- What role do governments, businesses, and civil society organizations play in shaping effective policies and ensuring their implementation?
Mohammad Bader - Moderator
Free the Slaves
MENA Regional Manager
Bio
Mohammad has authored papers on human rights laws and strategies to uplift marginalized communities, enhancing their legal rights and living conditions. Before joining Free the Slaves, he served as a law consultant for the government and founded numerous organizations in Kuwait. Mohammad is dedicated to passing a world to our children that is safer, kinder, and more fair.
Dr. Hayat Osseiran
Independent
Child Protection and Child Labour Expert
Bio
Hayat Osseiran is an independent senior child protection and child labour expert, working for more than twenty years in the Arab States as well as Africa, in times of peace but also in conflict and post-conflict periods. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology-Anthropology and a Masters of Arts (MA) in Political Sociology from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Her Doctoral Degree (PhD) was in Social Policies, with an emphasis on Child Labour, starting at the University of Bath in UK and completing it at Princely International University in New York, USA. Over the years, most of her work was with the International Labour Office – ILO (headquarters as well as regional offices in Beirut, Abidjan, and Cairo as well as its Turin International Training Centre). Moreover, she has been a main child labour consultant and advisor to other regional and international agencies as UNICEF, Freedom Fund, League of Arab States and the Arab Parliament, developing and supervising child labour projects, or negotiating and developing appropriate national and regional policies and programmes in this domain. In addition, she has been a lead auditor with international organizations as United for Ethical Bio-Trade for child labour in supply chains of internationally consumedproducts as perfumes, cosmetics, herbs and spices. At presentshe is in engaged in the following; finalizing a national study and national strategy for out of school children with UNICEF Yemen and contributing to the Human Rights Report ( specifically worst forms of child labour in MENA region) in the UN General Assembly 2025 through the University of York, UK preparatory team.
Catriona Fraser
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
Migrant Workers Researcher
Bio
Catriona is the Migrant Workers Researcher for the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. Her research aims to strengthen the rights of migrant workers in global supply chains and across labour migration corridors by increasing corporate transparency in key sectors, improving corporate accountability for alleged abuses through research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, and amplifying the voices and experiences of migrant workers. She has a MSc (Dist.) in Migration Studies from the University of Oxford, where her research focused on women migrant rights in Europe and the US. Prior to joining the Resource Centre, Catriona worked as Research and Impact lead of an education consultancy and ran the organisation’s charity. She also worked for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s Media and Advocacy department in Geneva, and has interned as a journalist and photographer in Bolivia. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Oxford in English Language & Literature.
Vani Saraswathi
Migrant-rights.org
Associate Editor & Director of Projects
Bio
1:10pm
Workshop: Practical Solutions for Protecting Migrant Workers
Hind Francis - Facilitator
Social Work Society
Bio
Hind Francis is a multi-disciplinary researcher with a passion for making a real impact.
She is a strong believer in the transformative power of curiosity, knowledge, dedication and collaboration as fundamental drivers of change, highlighting their collective potential to contribute to the improvement of societies and the world at large.
Hind’s career journey spans diverse industries, including impactful roles in news media, philanthropy, and consulting. At the heart of her work is a commitment to solution-focused research, where she thrives on turning complex challenges into opportunities.
She is currently the Social Work and Communications Manager at Social Work Society (SWS); a civil society organization that supports and advocates for migrant workers in Kuwait.
Day 3
Thursday, December 12
Enhancing Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration and Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations
11:00am
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Davina P. Durgana
Free The Slaves
Board Director
Bio
Davina P. Durgana, PhD is an award-winning international human rights statistician and professor with almost 15 years of experience developing leading global models to assess risk to modern slavery. Dr. Durgana is Senior Multilateral Engagement Advisor of the Minderoo Foundation and leads Americas Policy and Quantitative Research as a Report Co-Author of the Global Slavery Index of Walk Free. Minderoo Foundation is one of the largest philanthropies in Asia-Pacific with over $2 billion AUD in funding across an array of issues from eliminating plastic waste in the oceans to ending modern slavery. She is fluent in French, Spanish, and English.
Dr. Durgana is an AAAS Ambassador, Forbes Under 30 Alumni board member, and serves on the Board of Directors of Free the Slaves. She is an American Statistical Association Statistical Advocate of the Year, and Chair of Statistics without Borders, and she has been widely recognised for her work on statistical modeling, human security theory, and human trafficking. Dr. Durgana collaborated on two episodes of Emmy-nominated series Mission Unstoppable and will be featured in upcoming book “Wonder Women of Science: Twelve Geniuses Who Are Currently Rocking Science, Technology, and the World” by Candlewick Publishers to help encourage women and girls to see the ways STEM can be used in everyday life and exciting fields.
Dr. Durgana has over 28 publications and she is a prolific and effective public speaker. She has given over 100 invited talks, including over 30 keynote addresses. Dr. Durgana is a Royal Chartered and Professionally Accredited Statistician. Since 2013, she has also served as a Professor of Research Methods, Irregular Warfare, International Development, Global Public Health, and Inclusive and Human Security at leading universities.
11:05am
tbd
11:15am
Breakout Session 1: Insights from Lived Experience
Participants will be divided into breakout groups to have small-group discussions exploring how to integrate lived experiences into policy and practice, identifying mechanisms to make programs more responsive to on-the-ground realities.
Room 1
Elisa Franceschinis
en.v
Managing Director
Bio
Elisa Franceschinis has over 17 years of experience working in the non-profit sector in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. For the past 9 years she has been the Managing Director of en.v, a Kuwait-based non-profit dedicated to promoting equity, transforming mindsets, fostering agency, and strengthening solidarity through inclusive, participatory approaches. In last decade, she has focused on developing programs that support underserved communities and youth in building engagement skills while collaboratively addressing systemic barriers to inclusion and creating safe spaces for cross-sector collaboration. She has extensive experience developing and delivering training to civil society organizations and grassroots activists in topics such as strategic planning, governance, program design and evaluation, as well as in facilitating the creation of collaborative networks. She has also led several participatory research projects focused on promoting greater inclusion across civil society and the education sector. Passionate about shifting the narrative on migration in the Gulf, Elisa works to foster dialogue between civil society, public and private institutions, and migrant workers, promoting intersectional analyses and more compassionate, equitable policies and systems. Elisa has an MA in Gender Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a BA in Political Science from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver.
Room 2
Eleanor Burton
en.v
Training and Relationship Mananger
Bio
11:55am
Brook Bello - Facilitator
More Too Life
Founder and CEO
Bio
Dr. Brook Parker-Bello, honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama, is a dedicated advocate against human trafficking. With a background in acting, justice advocacy, and leadership, she founded More Too Life, Inc., a beacon of hope for 19 years.
Brook’s impact extends to digital education platforms addressing sexual exploitation. She launched Eval, a mental healthcare tech, chosen by Techstars Founders Catalyst. A Master’s Series alumnus, she holds a US Patent, creating innovative software in mental healthcare, AI, and machine learning.
An accomplished author, Brook’s works include “Living Inside The Rainbow” and “S+CxM=O.” Recent releases, “Shame Undone” and “Fine Heart Table Book,” showcased at special events in Monaco, reflect her commitment.
With a Ph.D. in Pastoral Clinical Counseling, Brook is a global speaker recognized by the United Nations and Google Next-Gen Fellow. Advocate of the Year in Florida, she collaborates with entities like the FBI, DOJ, and Harvard. An inspiration to all genders, Brook, with her unwavering stance, resides in South Florida, amplifying voices for a better world.
2024 MENA Regional Forum Planning Committee
Hind Francis
Social Work and Communications Manager
Social Work Society
Bio
Hind Francis is a multi-disciplinary researcher with a passion for making a real impact.
She is a strong believer in the transformative power of curiosity, knowledge, dedication and collaboration as fundamental drivers of change, highlighting their collective potential to contribute to the improvement of societies and the world at large.
Hind’s career journey spans diverse industries, including impactful roles in news media, philanthropy, and consulting. At the heart of her work is a commitment to solution-focused research, where she thrives on turning complex challenges into opportunities.
She is currently the Social Work and Communications Manager at Social Work Society (SWS); a civil society organization that supports and advocates for migrant workers in Kuwait.
Elisa Franceschinis
Managing Director
en.v
Bio
Elisa Franceschinis has over 17 years of experience working in the non-profit sector in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. For the past 9 years she has been the Managing Director of en.v, a Kuwait-based non-profit dedicated to promoting equity, transforming mindsets, fostering agency, and strengthening solidarity through inclusive, participatory approaches. In last decade, she has focused on developing programs that support underserved communities and youth in building engagement skills while collaboratively addressing systemic barriers to inclusion and creating safe spaces for cross-sector collaboration. She has extensive experience developing and delivering training to civil society organizations and grassroots activists in topics such as strategic planning, governance, program design and evaluation, as well as in facilitating the creation of collaborative networks. She has also led several participatory research projects focused on promoting greater inclusion across civil society and the education sector. Passionate about shifting the narrative on migration in the Gulf, Elisa works to foster dialogue between civil society, public and private institutions, and migrant workers, promoting intersectional analyses and more compassionate, equitable policies and systems. Elisa has an MA in Gender Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a BA in Political Science from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver.
Rima Kalush
Program Manager
Migrant-Rights.org
Bio
Rima Kalush is the program manager of Migrant-Rights.org, an advocacy and research organization focused on the Gulf states and wider Southwest Asia-North Africa region. Her work has been published and referenced by Al Jazeera, the International Labour Organisation, and Jadaliyya, among other institutions. She holds a BA in History and in Politics from the University of California, Davis, and an MPhil in Middle Eastern Area Studies from the University of Oxford. She has recently returned to Oxford as a DPhil student in Migration Studies, where she is focused n the situation of migrant workers in Libya.
Aline Gaju
Movement Building Coordinator
Free the Slaves
Bio
Aline Gaju is a dedicated human rights advocate. She is the Movement Building Coordinator at Free the Slaves where she plays a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the annual Freedom from Slavery Forums, both regionally and globally. In her current position, Aline collaborates closely with FTS’s internal team to ensure that all aspects of the forums are meticulously addressed. She also actively engages with stakeholders and allies in the anti-modern slavery movement, to fostering strong relationships. Before joining FTS, Aline Was a communications specialist at the “Legal Aid Forum” which provides legal aid to vulnerable individuals in Rwanda.
Mohammad Bader
MENA Regional Mananger
Free the Slaves
Bio
Mohammad is an impassioned human rights advocate with extensive experience in the non-profit sector. Specializing in human rights advocacy, Mohammad has empowered individuals and organizations to fight for their rights and drive transformative change. He has delivered lectures and workshops from the United Nations to venues across Europe and the MENA region.
Mohammad has authored papers on human rights laws and strategies to uplift marginalized communities, enhancing their legal rights and living conditions. Before joining Free the Slaves, he served as a law consultant for the government and founded numerous organizations in Kuwait. Mohammad is dedicated to passing a world to our children that is safer, kinder, and more fair.