On International Women’s Day SOHTIS is highlighting the plight of women and girls across the UK and Scotland who are caught in exploitation and slavery. Women and girls are trafficked and exploited for a variety of purposes, including commercial sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, sham and forced marriages, forced labour in industries such as agriculture, fishing, garment factories, catering, cleaning and for organ removal.
Of the many forms of exploitation endured by women and girls, sex trafficking is one of the most degrading and dehumanising, it includes a wide range of often linked sexual activities which typically men profit from, or buy from women and which objectify and harm women. In 2018, 2,731 potential victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation were referred to the National Referral Mechanism in the UK, this includes women from over 60 nationalities and with almost 20% of those being girls under the age of 18 years.
SOHTIS believes everyone deserves to live in freedom with dignity and respect. This International Women’s Day you, with us, can choose to raise your voice for those trapped in slavery. Together we can raise awareness and influence the beliefs and actions of others across Scotland who are exploiting and trafficking women and girls!
