Understanding Human Trafficking: Empowering Women to Stand Against Modern Day Slavery

By: Anayah Chowdhury

According to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime, women and girls are the majority of victims of human trafficking, making up five out of every 10 victims globally . In the United States, estimates suggest that 15,000 to 50,000 women and children are forced into sexual slavery each year (1). Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights, affecting millions of people globally, with women and girls being disproportionately targeted. This modern-day form of slavery involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for various purposes, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and domestic servitude (2). Understanding the realities of human trafficking is the first step toward empowering women to stand against it. 

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings, primarily for the purposes of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation. It is a lucrative criminal enterprise, generating billions of dollars annually. Human trafficking affects individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds, occurring in every corner of the globe. Traffickers often resort to violence, fraudulent employment agencies, and false promises of education and job opportunities to manipulate, coerce, and deceive their victims. The organized networks or individuals profiting from this lucrative crime exploit those who are vulnerable, desperate, or simply striving for a better life (3). 

Why are women and girls targeted?

Victims of trafficking can be of any age, gender, or origin, and the crime occurs worldwide. The UNODC's 2022 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, which includes data from over 141 countries, indicates that females are still the most common targets. In 2020, the report found that 42 percent of identified victims were women and 18 percent were girls (4). Women and girls face a higher risk of human trafficking due to several factors such as gender inequality, economic struggles, and lack of education. Gender inequality often puts them in vulnerable positions, making them easier targets for exploitation. Economic struggles can push them to seek opportunities in unfamiliar places, where they can be misled and trapped by traffickers. A lack of education also plays a role, as it leaves them less aware of the dangers and with fewer options for safe employment. Women and girls are often trafficked for sexual and economic exploitation, including prostitution, pornography, forced labor, domestic work, and arranged marriages where they may be "sold" as brides. They are also recruited for involvement in hostilities, providing sexual services, carrying supplies, and performing domestic tasks in conflict situations (5).

False stereotypes to be aware of

The image of a trafficker is often that of a man—ruthless, manipulative, and controlling. While it is true that many traffickers are men, this stereotype overlooks the significant role that women can and do play in trafficking operations. Women can be recruiters and even traffickers themselves. Female traffickers are often used as recruiters because they can appear more trustworthy and less threatening, especially to other women and children. Ignoring the possibility that a trafficker could be female perpetuates a dangerous blind spot in efforts to combat trafficking (6). Another damaging stereotype is that women and girls are always the helpless victims, while men and boys are not as vulnerable. This stereotype can overshadow the fact that men and boys are also victims, sometimes in significant numbers. 

How to recognize the signs of human trafficking

Imagine suddenly finding yourself cut off from your family and friends, with no one to turn to for help. This is often the first step traffickers take, isolating their victims from their support networks. Traffickers may take control of your personal documents like your ID or passport, a major red flag that something is seriously wrong. If you start noticing that your freedom is being taken, like being unable to leave a place freely or having someone monitor your movements at ALL times, it’s a sign you could be at risk. Traffickers also use psychological manipulation, causing sudden and unexplained changes in your behavior, appearance, or attitude. And remember, if someone is offering opportunities that seem too good to be true, especially if it involves quickly leaving your current situation or moving somewhere new, it's crucial to stay alert. These are just a few ways traffickers can manipulate you, so recognizing these signs early could make all the difference (7). 

What to Do If You Suspect You Are Being Trafficked

If you suspect that you are being trafficked or are in danger, it's crucial to act quickly and seek help. Start by reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or organization equipped to assist trafficking victims. Organizations like National Human Trafficking Hotline, International Justice Mission, and Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. If possible, plan an escape route and identify a safe place to go. Keep your personal documents and a small amount of money hidden in a secure location in case you need to leave in a hurry. Avoid directly confronting your trafficker, as this could escalate the situation and put you in more danger. Instead, focus on getting to safety where you can seek help. Always trust your instincts, so if something feels off or too good to be true, it's essential to be cautious and aware of the warning signs.

Works Cited

1. Global report on trafficking in persons. United Nations : Office on Drugs and Crime. (n.d.). https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/global-report-on-trafficking-in-persons.html 

2. Department of Homeland Security. “What Is Human Trafficking?” Department of Homeland Security, 22 Sep. 2022, www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking. 

3. United Nations. “Human Trafficking Faqs.” Unodc.org, 2013, www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/faqs.html. 

4. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. 2022.

5. “Trafficking in Women and Girls | European Institute for Gender Equality.” Eige.europa.eu, 29 Nov. 2023, eige.europa.eu/publications-resources/thesaurus/terms/1448?language_content_entity=en. 

6. Withers, Mellissa . “Sex Traffickers: The Hidden Role of Women | Psychology Today.” Www.psychologytoday.com, 13 Mar. 2023, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-day-slavery/202303/sex-traffickers-the-hidden-role-of-women#:~:text=Roles%20of%20female%20traffickers&text=The%20most%20common%20role%20for. 

7. National Human Trafficking Hotline. “Recognizing the Signs | National Human Trafficking Hotline.” Humantraffickinghotline.org, 2023, humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking/recognizing-signs.