Sophie Otiende

Kenya | Child Labor | Founder & Vice Chair | 20 drawing hours

Growing up in Eastlands, Nairobi, Sophie Otiende was raised in a bubble of love that enveloped her and her four siblings. Her parents were intentional about their relationships with their children, making sure they properly addressed conflict, listened to, and trusted them. Later in life, Sophie would realise that her approach to relationships was because of the strong foundation of her upbringing.

When Sophie was in primary school, her father lost his job. This caused a lifestyle shift within the family as they lost their economic stability. Despite everything, the foundation remained. Their parents protected them and still tried to ensure that they still had a good upbringing filled with laughter, political debates, and Rhumba.

When Sophie was in Class 7, she was trafficked and abused by a relative whom her parents had entrusted to look out for her. This harrowing experience caused her to miss the entire school year. Still, she returned to school to complete her studies – a testament to the determination and self-belief that her parents had instilled in her.

Through her work at Azadi and her role as the Chief Executive Officer at the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS), Sophie has helped to rehabilitate hundreds of trafficking survivors. Her journey is one that was informed by her own experience as a survivor of trafficking.