December 2025
On 10–11 December 2025, the EmpowerHER consortium gathered in Avellino, Italy, for a two-day international workshop hosted by Consorzio Percorsi at the Chamber of Commerce of Avellino. The workshop brought together institutional representatives, anti-trafficking professionals, civil society actors, legal experts, and community organisations to deepen the discussion on migrant women’s protection, labour exploitation, and survivor-centred responses within the Italian context.
Participation was free and open to the public, with 61 participants on Day 1 and 45 on Day 2, including both consortium partners and local stakeholders.
Day 1 – Reception Systems, Anti-Trafficking Frameworks & the Central Mediterranean Route
The first day focused on:
- The structure and evolution of the Italian reception and integration system (SAI)
- The National Anti-Trafficking Plan and National Referral Mechanism
- The role of civil society in implementing the “Fuori Tratta” programme
- The realities of the Central Mediterranean route and forced departures from Libya
- A mediated survivor testimony highlighting recovery and resilience pathways
Speakers addressed both strengths and systemic gaps within the Italian protection framework, emphasising the need for stable, rights-based reception models and coordinated anti-trafficking responses. The day concluded with a powerful mediated testimony and a cultural closing moment, grounding institutional discussions in human experience.
Day 2 – Labour Exploitation, Caporalato & Local Protection Networks
The second day deepened the discussion through:
- Strategic actions against labour exploitation and caporalato (Su.Pr.Eme. 2 Programme)
- Prevention, identification, and protection measures for exploited migrant workers (IOM)
- Regional and provincial implementation of the “Fuori Tratta” project
- Legal perspectives on trafficking, immigration law, and secondary victimisation
- Local and community-based support initiatives, including Caritas and grassroots empowerment models
The sessions highlighted the interconnected nature of trafficking, labour exploitation, migration governance, and local service provision. Particular emphasis was placed on territorial coordination, survivor-centred approaches, and the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation to ensure long-term protection and reintegration.
A Successful Workshop Supporting the Next Steps of EmpowerHER
The Avellino workshop provided a comprehensive overview of Italy’s anti-trafficking and reception systems, while also showcasing how national frameworks are translated into local action. By moving from system-level analysis to community-based initiatives, the event reinforced the importance of holistic, coordinated, and gender-sensitive responses. The insights gathered will directly inform the next phases of EmpowerHER, including mentoring activities, needs assessment refinement, and local actions in each partner country.
We extend our sincere thanks to Consorzio Percorsi and all speakers and participants who contributed to this important dialogue.
EU Disclaimer
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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