Sharmila “Sam” Wijeyakumar has dedicated her life to combating human trafficking and supporting those affected by this pervasive global crime. As a survivor of trafficking herself, Sharmila has transformed her lived experience into a powerful mission to create systemic change. Through her nonprofit organization, Rahab’s Daughters, and partnerships with groups like Serve the City Paris (STCP), Sharmila works tirelessly to provide aid, empowerment, and hope to vulnerable individuals worldwide.
From survivor to advocate
Originally from the UK, Sharmila’s journey spans many countries, giving her a unique global perspective that shapes her work as an advocate. Her experience as a trafficking survivor was the catalyst for establishing Rahab’s Daughters—a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating survivors of trafficking.
“Addressing basic needs—safety, food, and shelter—is the foundation of recovery,” Sharmila explains. Rahab’s Daughters offers not just immediate assistance but also education, awareness, and community outreach to tackle the root causes of trafficking. By empowering others with knowledge and resources, Sharmila aims to create a ripple effect of action and advocacy.
Global insights into human trafficking
Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwide, generating an estimated trillion dollars annually. Sharmila’s work uncovers the deeply intertwined factors of trafficking, forced labour, and refugee exploitation. In cities like Paris, these issues are particularly prevalent. Refugees fleeing conflict zones like Syria and the Congo often become easy prey for traffickers, who exploit their desperation and lack of resources. Sharmila and her team observed a sharp increase in trafficking cases in Paris leading up to the 2024 Olympics. By interviewing over 1,000 trafficking survivors and identifying vulnerable groups—such as displaced individuals living in tents or construction workers on temporary visas—they highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions.
“Traffickers are opportunists,” Sharmila states. “They exploit moments of vulnerability and chaos, offering false promises of safety and stability.”
Human trafficking in France: a closer look
France faces significant challenges in combating human trafficking. According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report, authorities identified 362 trafficking victims in 2022, with 12% being children and 20% French nationals. Alarmingly, NGOs estimate that between 10,000 and 15,000 French teenagers are victims of child sex trafficking. These statistics underscore the pressing need for comprehensive strategies focused on prevention, protection, and prosecution. France must also address the increase in child sex trafficking, a growing crisis within its borders.
Partnering with Serve the City Paris
In 2023, Rahab’s Daughters partnered with Serve the City Paris to connect with vulnerable populations across the city. Through this collaboration, they distributed food and hygiene kits while building trust with individuals who might otherwise remain invisible.
“Food is an incredible icebreaker,” Sharmila shares. “It creates a bridge for conversation, allowing us to listen to people’s stories and offer support in a way that feels accessible and human.”
This initiative not only provided immediate relief but also enabled Sharmila’s team to help individuals escape trafficking situations and start new lives.
Expanding the mission
While her work with STCP highlights the power of local partnerships, Sharmila’s vision is global. Rahab’s Daughters operates in areas impacted by major events, such as the World Cup 2026 in North America and is preparing for projects surrounding the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles and Brisbane. The organization uses predictive analytics and grassroots outreach to identify trafficking patterns and deploy targeted interventions. Their commitment to education is equally robust, with training sessions like the upcoming “Human Trafficking 101” on February 12th, which aim to empower communities with the tools to recognize and combat trafficking.
“Our goal is to build a global network of informed advocates,” Sharmila says. “When communities are equipped with knowledge, they can make a profound difference.”
How you can help
Sharmila’s work proves that anyone can play a role in combating human trafficking. From volunteering and attending training sessions to simply raising awareness in your community, every action counts toward creating broader change.
To learn more or get involved, visit Rahab’s Daughters at https://www.rahabsdaughters.org/ and join the fight against modern slavery.
By combining personal resilience with strategic advocacy, Sharmila Wijeyakumar exemplifies the power of hope and determination in the fight against human trafficking. Through her efforts, thousands of lives are being restored, and countless others are being educated to prevent exploitation.
