An Investigation into the Experiences of Female Victims of Trafficking in Ethiopia

The nineteenth Evidence Bits issue is based on a study by Assefach Haileselassie Reda exploring the factors contributing towards the trafficking of women and girls from Ethiopia to the Middle East.

By using a constructivist framework and conducting in-depth interviews with five returnees, the study aims to provide an insight into female human trafficking and the psychosocial impacts experienced by survivors upon return.

Key Findings

All women were given false promises by agents of attractive jobs and good payment and had their passports confiscated upon arrival.

The most common forms of abuse and exploitation faced by women and young girls working as domestic workers in the Middle East are sexual abuse, overwork, confinement, physical abuse, insult, belittlement and withholding of salary.

Upon returning, some women required a combination of financial, medical and emotional support.

All women expressed loneliness and social isolation during the trafficking, which for some extended after returning home, including fear of losing social and familial acceptance.