From the shadows of human trafficking to an advocate - Itohan Okundaye's story

 

My project documenting the lives of asylum seekers led to a side project with one of the protagonists, Itohan Okundaye. During her asylum process, she began talking about her past as a victim of human trafficking.

 

Over time, I helped her reach new audiences, which eventually led to the creation of the awareness campaign Toisenlaisia tarinoita (Different Stories). The campaign also raised funds for vocational training for young women in Okundaye's hometown, Benin City, Nigeria, aiming to help them build sustainable livelihoods and reduce their vulnerability to human trafficking.

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Okundaye became a victim of trafficking in Italy at age of 15. She endured years of sexual exploitation, violence, and debt bondage. After breaking free from human trafficking and prostitution, she came to Finland in 2014 and applied for asylum.

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Despite her experiences, Okundaye refused to be defined by victimhood. Her story demonstrates how even the most difficult experiences can become a source of resilience and social change.

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Since 2021, Okundaye has been a member of the ODIHR International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC), which provides advice, guidance, and recommendations to ODIHR and to the OSCE participating states on anti-trafficking legislation, policies, practices, and training. The council's work reflects the importance of including and promoting the voices of the survivors in all matters related to prevention of human trafficking.

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The project shows Okundaye's path from an asylum seeker to an activist making a difference. It is also a reflection on long-term documentary practice, trust, and collaboration between photographer and participant. It invites viewers to consider the structural causes of human trafficking, the realities of the asylum system, and the opportunities that emerge when people are given the chance to rebuild their lives.

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The exhibition has been shown at seven galleries in Finland.