Research

We create evidence for everyone 

GFEMS is a data-driven organization. We value the generation of data for everyone working to end modern slavery, and make available numerous reports, briefings, and other evidence-based publications to ensure our community is equipped with the latest information. Our focus is on actionable data that enables policy-makers, business leaders, and civil society to target their efforts on supporting evidence-based policies and programs.

We take a different approach to data

Modern slavery is a complex problem requiring complexity-aware research and evaluation frameworks. To meet this need, we invest in a diverse collection of complementary research and evaluation methods designed to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of modern slavery in select sectors and geographies. This collection makes up our Evidence for Action Framework and is constructed to generate actionable data and learnings on what works to end modern slavery, drive innovation, and support evidence-informed solutions.

We conduct four primary research activities:

Prevalence estimation

Drawing insights from public health and other disciplines, GFEMS is supporting population-based estimations of prevalence in select sectors and geographies. Estimates contribute to a sparse evidence base and enable GFEMS to assess medium and long-term trends over time. 

Risk assessment

Supporting private sector efforts to identify modern slavery risk, GFEMS provides seed funding and in-house technical support for the development of innovative tools to measure risk in supply chains.

Project monitoring, evaluation, and learning

Routine data monitoring allows for a real-time examination of progress and facilitates dialogue on whether adaptations are needed to achieve programmatic success. Beneficiary feedback is a critical part of that analysis. Interventions are tested to understand their effectiveness. Where feasible, counterfactuals are examined to better understand impact.

Extramural research

Non-project-based research efforts are taken up to fill gaps in evidence, inform future investments, or meet the research needs of key stakeholders.

Explore our research:

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