About Us
Turning Lived Experience into Lasting Change
At Footprint to Freedom, we believe that those who have lived through exploitation possess unique insights and solutions that can transform systems and communities.
Founded by survivors, our organization places survivor leadership at the center of everything we do. We work alongside communities, governments, organizations, and institutions to prevent trafficking, support healing, strengthen resilience, and create opportunities for survivors to become leaders of change.
Our work extends across Africa and internationally, connecting individuals, communities, and partners who share a common vision of freedom, dignity, and justice for all.
OUR STORY
Malaika Oringo
CEO
Footprint to Freedom was born from a simple yet powerful belief: survivors of human trafficking should not only receive support—they should be empowered to lead the change they wish to see in the world.
Founded on the conviction that lived experience is one of the most valuable tools in the fight against exploitation, Footprint to Freedom began as a mission to walk alongside survivors on their journey toward healing, recovery, and restoration. Over time, that mission evolved into something much greater—a survivor-led movement dedicated to transforming systems, strengthening communities, and creating pathways to freedom for others.
What started as a commitment to support survivors has grown into a dynamic organization working across Africa and beyond. Through leadership development, advocacy initiatives, community engagement, awareness campaigns, and strategic partnerships, Footprint to Freedom equips survivors with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to become leaders, mentors, advocates, and changemakers.
Over the years, the organization has expanded its reach through innovative survivor-led programs, leadership academies, community outreach initiatives, and continental networks that connect survivor leaders across Africa. By creating platforms where survivors can share their experiences, influence policies, and contribute to decision-making processes, Footprint to Freedom is helping reshape how the world responds to human trafficking.
Today, Footprint to Freedom stands as a testament to the resilience, strength, and potential of survivors. We envision a future where survivors are recognized not only for what they have overcome, but for the leadership, expertise, and solutions they bring. Through collaboration, empowerment, and survivor-centered action, we continue to build a movement that transforms lives, inspires hope, and advances lasting freedom for individuals and communities around the world.
OUR APPROACH
We are creating meaningful change by empowering survivors, strengthening communities, and advancing efforts to prevent human trafficking and exploitation. Through education, advocacy, leadership development, and strategic partnerships, we help build pathways toward freedom and opportunity.
Our impact is reflected in the lives transformed, the leaders developed, and the communities equipped to create safer and more resilient futures for generations to come.
OUR IMPACT
We are creating meaningful change by empowering survivors, strengthening communities, and advancing efforts to prevent human trafficking and exploitation. Through education, advocacy, leadership development, and strategic partnerships, we help build pathways toward freedom and opportunity.
Our impact is reflected in the lives transformed, the leaders developed, and the communities equipped to create safer and more resilient futures for generations to come.
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Our survivor-led approach has gained recognition from partners, institutions, and organizations working to advance human rights and combat human trafficking. Through advocacy, collaboration, and leadership development, we continue to contribute to meaningful initiatives and conversations around the world.
By fostering strategic partnerships and engaging on international platforms, we help elevate survivor voices and promote solutions that create lasting change across communities and countries.
OUR JOURNEY
From a vision rooted in lived experience to a growing Pan-African movement, our journey has been guided by resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to empowering survivors to lead change.
2017
Foundation
Footprint to Freedom was established as a survivor-led organization dedicated to empowering survivors of human trafficking and creating pathways toward freedom, dignity, and leadership.
2019
Advocacy Expansion
The organization strengthened its advocacy efforts, promoting survivor inclusion and amplifying survivor voices in anti-trafficking conversations and initiatives.
2020
Community Impact
Prevention, empowerment, and outreach programs expanded, strengthening support systems and increasing community awareness around trafficking and exploitation.
2023
African Survivor Coalition
The African Survivor Coalition was launched to unite survivor leaders across Africa, strengthen collaboration, and advance survivor-led advocacy on a continental scale.
2025
Global Recognition
Footprint to Freedom gained international recognition for its survivor-led approach, highlighting the power of lived experience in creating sustainable change.
Today
Looking Ahead
We continue to empower survivor leaders, build strategic partnerships, and advance a future where every individual can live free from exploitation and thrive with dignity.