This paper is the outcome of a beautiful PhD research conducted by Giacomo Chiara, where I had the privilege of being one of the supervisors. I am very proud of this participatory and relational approach. The study explores a generative way of doing research with survivors of trafficking, grounded in a social constructionist perspective and inspired by Appreciative Inquiry. Together with women from the Italian Anti-Trafficking System, we created space for new conversations about their experiences, moving beyond dominant narratives of victimhood. Through dialogical and reflexive interviews, the research highlights themes such as strengths, relationships, future possibilities, and meaningful moments. Rather than extracting data, this work approaches research as a space for co-creation, where different voices can be heard and new, more hopeful narratives can emerge.
Beyond Victimhood, Expanding Narratives: A Generative Inquiry with Trafficking Survivors
