Introduction
Economic empowerment is a critical need for many people who have experienced human trafficking and is increasingly being recognized by social service providers. Economic empowerment is a multifaceted concept and there is much to learn about what economic empowerment is, why it matters, and how people can achieve it. Establishing a shared understanding of key concepts related to the economic empowerment of people who have experienced human trafficking is an important first step to supporting the community’s ability to develop services and supports.
Informed by the expertise of people with lived experience of human trafficking and other anti-trafficking professionals who represent organizations providing economic empowerment programming, this brief defines several key concepts related to economic empowerment. These concepts include economic empowerment, financial stability, financial literacy, self-sufficiency, professional development, and economic mobility as they relate to people who have experienced human trafficking.
Purpose
The purpose of this infographic is to share definitions of six key terms related to economic well-being and opportunity, specifically in the context of recovery from human trafficking victimization. These definitions can help enhance the anti-trafficking field’s shared understanding of the needs of this population. This infographic is intended to be read alongside our full guide, Economic Empowerment for People Who Have Experienced Human Trafficking: A Guide for Anti-Trafficking Providers.
Key Findings and Highlights
Economic empowerment is the transformative process of moving away from exploitation and toward increased choice and opportunities to a gain independence, stability, skills, and advancement in all areas related to one’s economic well-being. Economic empowerment is the result of financial stability, financial literacy, and professional development.
Financial stability is the ability to provide for oneself and potentially one’s family (if applicable) through income and resources that are not exploitative and meet one’s needs. Financial stability is the first step to greater economic well-being. Access to safe and stable housing, food, affordable health care, and budgeting tools and knowledge are all key parts of attaining financial stability.
Financial literacy refers to the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to manage one’s own finances with confidence. Financial literacy education includes access to information on budgeting, how to build and repair credit, taxes, investing and savings, and how to growth one’s wealth.
Self-sufficiency is the ability and freedom to provide for oneself and one’s family. Building social capital with trustworthy people is key to developing healthy relationships and being in community with others, which often means supportive interdependence without abuse.
Professional development refers to skill and career development opportunities and options, including supports such as training, education, grants, stipends, mentorship, and coaching.
Economic mobility is the ability to increase or advance one's economic well-being over time. Experiences of trauma and systemic marginalization impact this mobility and the decisions and/or risks one takes to advance their economic well-being.
Methods
RTI International developed these definitions of key terms through an iterative community-engaged process which included (1) listening sessions with people who have experienced human trafficking and service providers of economic empowerment programs to co-develop definitions, and (2) workshops with people who have experienced human trafficking and service providers of economic empowerment programs to review and refine wording of key definitions.
The development of these definitions is part of a larger initiative to learn about the needs and effective services for economic opportunity, well-being and mobility for people who have experienced human trafficking.
Citation
Melander, C., Charm, S., Vollinger, L., D’Arcangelo, B., Pfeffer, R., Ouya, C., Hang U., Roseborough, D. & Coleman, L. (2023). Understanding Key Concepts of Economic Empowerment for People Who Have Experienced Human Trafficking, OPRE Brief # 2023-XX, Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Related Documents
Economic Empowerment for People Who Have Experienced Human Trafficking: A Guide for Anti-Trafficking Providers.