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“Out of the frying pan, into the fire”: Support Workers’ Understanding of Trafficking Returnees’ Experiences in Vietnam and Their Perception of Two National Gender Equality Policies (2011-2020) That Aim to Reduce Human Trafficking

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Date

2025

Authors

Supervisor

Deckert, Antje
Davies, Sharyn Graham

Item type

Thesis

Degree name

Doctor of Philosophy

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Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

Human trafficking and gender equality are interrelated issues, both covered by extensive research. In Vietnam, trafficking presents complex challenges. According to the Global Organized Crime Index (2023), Vietnam has been a source, destination, and transit country for human trafficking for over two decades. Women and children from ethnic minorities and economically disadvantaged backgrounds are especially vulnerable. Vietnamese women, particularly underage girls, are significantly represented in the regional and global sex industries (Global Organized Crime Index, 2023). However, little is known about how national gender equality policies have affected trafficked women and potential trafficking targets in Vietnam in the last decade. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap. Using interview narratives gathered from 23 support workers, the research explores trafficked individuals’ experiences and the impact of the National Strategy on Gender Equality (2011-2020) and the National Plan on Gender Equality (2016-2020) on human trafficking. The research employs an emancipatory and intersectional perspective to explore the experiences of trafficked individuals in Vietnam through qualitative narrative inquiry. This research underscores the significance of an intersectional approach in studying human trafficking, revealing how multiple social identities - such as ethnicity, socio-economic status, and legal status - intersect to shape vulnerabilities, trafficking experiences, and reintegration challenges. Moving beyond a feminist-only lens, it advances scholarly discourse by highlighting structural barriers and compounding inequalities. By integrating theoretical and practical insights, this study informs more inclusive research frameworks and policies, fostering sustainable and context-specific support for trafficking survivors. Data were collected via critical document analysis and semi-structured interviews. The data collection occurred in 2021, meaning that it was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns and travel restrictions. All interviews had to take place online which limited the data collection; with only support workers participating. The originally planned interviews with trafficked returnees had to be abandoned for ethical reasons but future research should include these voices. The data was thematically analysed to (1) identify the main causes of human trafficking in Vietnam, (2) chart the most common trafficking experiences of Vietnamese returnees, and (3) identify obstacles to returnees’ reintegration and solutions to overcome them. The following key themes emerged from the study. In Vietnam, societal shame over unmet marriage expectations relates to becoming a victim of human trafficking, exacerbating the risk for women and girls. Women experience dual exploitation (sex work and labour) and face complex control tactics during trafficking. If they have children with their exploiters (forced marriage), motherhood may influence their decision to stay in the trafficking situation. Remaining in a trafficking situation for a prolonged time results in the loss of both cultural identity and development opportunities, such as education. When women returnees attempt to reintegrate, stigma and insufficient resources are the main obstacles. The participant's quote, “Out of the frying pan [trafficking situation], into the fire [stigmatizing by family and community]”, summarizes the dilemma women returnees find themselves in well. For women returnees, the stigma diminishes the prospects of marriage - a vital goal in Vietnamese culture. The repercussions of stigmatisation vary depending on whether returnees establish a new life away from their home community or remain within it, necessitating tailored support services based on their chosen settlement location. However, support from family and the community offers the greatest benefits for returnees if it is free of stigma. It is also a more cost-effective solution than supporting returnees away from their community of origin, making the home community the preferred location for healing. Overall, the study emphasises that empowering trafficked women is crucial for successful reintegration and human trafficking prevention. While gender equality policies partly address the root causes of human trafficking and contribute to the successful reintegration of trafficked returnees, they fall short in one key area. This limitation revolves around the lack of community-wide awareness about returnees’ post-trafficking challenges and needs, particularly regarding stigma reduction. Creating a stigma-free environment, where returnees are supported by their families and the entire community, emerges as a promising solution to empower women and address both sets of obstacles: stigmatisation and insufficient resources.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10292/18987

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Doctoral Theses