Vienna, Austria , 8 March β Women are powerful and efficient, often playing a key role in the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling around the world. At the same time, and despite advances in gender equality, women continue to face obstacles when it comes to having a voice in the local, regional, and international sphere. Below, they share their experiences and critical perspectives. Pakistan, the fifth most populous country in the world, still sees a significant underrepresentation of women in leadership roles.
This is due to numerous barriers to women's participation in the political and public sphere, such as social norms, gender bias, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. Led by Shahla, the Women Police Network trains women on how to approach and support victims of human trafficking. She is also trying to sensitize people and provide justice at the grassroots level by providing free legal aid, shelter, housing, and establishing telephone helplines.
In the past, New Zealand has been considered too isolated to be a serious destination of human trafficking, but the reality is different. Proud to support her country, Rebecca Kingi works as Senior Advisor on Trafficking in Persons for the New Zealand Government, where she brings her expertise to eradicating this crime.
Rebecca firmly believes that women need to have central and leadership roles in the anti-trafficking sector. In March , New Zealand launched a new Plan of Action against forced labour, people trafficking and slavery. Rebecca and her team coordinate, monitor and evaluate its implementation. As a woman survivor of human trafficking, Jane is using her voice loudly to raise awareness of this terrible crime.
She is founder of a task force that aims to train medical students and healthcare professionals to identify and give guidance on what to do in the face of suspected victims of the crime. She also speaks internationally on the subject and motivates policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and others to stand up and not be silent and unite their voices to take faster action.
