Through the Eyes of Survivors: AFRUCA’s 25th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating 25 years of protecting children, supporting survivors and tackling trafficking and exploitation.

Join AFRUCA on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, at The Waldegrave Suite, St Mary’s University, Twickenham, for our 25th Anniversary Lecture, Book Launch and Reception.

Under the theme Through the Eyes of Survivors: Exploring AFRUCA’s 25 Years of Anti-Trafficking Work, this special event will reflect on AFRUCA’s journey since 2001 through the experiences and perspectives of survivors who have been part of our anti-trafficking work.

The centrepiece of the event will be AFRUCA’s 25th Anniversary book launch and Lecture.

Delivered by Debbie Ariyo OBE, Founder and Chief Executive of AFRUCA, she will draw on her 25 years of experience and  reflect on the development of AFRUCA’s anti-trafficking work, what survivors have taught us about protection, support and recovery, and the challenges that remain.

The event will also mark the official launch of AFRUCA’s new book, Through the Eyes of Survivors: Exploring AFRUCA’s 25 Years of Anti-Trafficking Work. Developed through our 25 for 25 project, the publication brings together the stories and reflections of 25 survivors, documenting their experiences of exploitation, support, recovery and change.

Survivor contributors will take part in a special conversation exploring the themes emerging from their stories and what they believe needs to change. This will be followed by a panel bringing together perspectives from policy, law, research and frontline practice to consider how survivor experiences can inform better systems, services and responses to trafficking.

The formal programme will conclude with reflections on AFRUCA’s next chapter, followed by our 25th Anniversary Reception from 4.30pm to 6.00pm.

The event will bring together survivors, policymakers, safeguarding and anti-trafficking professionals, academics, legal practitioners, funders, corporate partners, community leaders, AFRUCA supporters and others committed to improving responses to trafficking and exploitation.

Event details

Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Arrival, registration and light lunch: 12.00pm
Formal programme: 13.00pm–4.30pm
Anniversary reception: 4.30pm–6.30pm
Venue: The Waldegrave Suite, St Mary’s University, Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4SX

This is a free event but donations on the day would be appreciated.

Places are limited and advance registration is required.