Posted on January 11, 2008 in Women Issues
Men at various levels- social, political and economic- exploit women. Despite efforts by various individuals and organizations to improve the social status of women, the problem persists. Trafficking in women has undermined their position and they have been relegated to mere sex objects to satisfy men.
Organized crime in trafficking of women has created hurdles in preventing the crime by authorities. It is lucrative business, which is expanding rapidly and taking into its fold many vulnerable women. Economic pressures force women into it and at times they are unknowingly entrapped. Socially, prostitutes are looked down upon. The society fails to appreciate their personal trauma, and although many socially- conscious individuals and forums are trying to bring into focus their problems, much needs to be done to bring them into the mainstream of daily lives.
Trafficking in women has been acknowledged as a violation of human rights. It is a global phenomenon, which has attracted the attention of various international organizations, including the United Nations. Efforts have been made by international law enforcement agencies to curb it. The Interpol actively seeks cooperation world-wide. Cooperation is sort from respective Governments by various international organizations to deal with the problem at grass-root level. This can be appreciated and pursued if one understands the magnitude of the problem and how it affects the world at large.
Is Trafficking in Women a Global Phenomenon?
Undoubtedly, women all over the world are victims of prostitution and whether it is willingly pursued or unwillingly, they do not enjoy a high social status. They are shunned by society, which fails to realize sometimes that they become victims of prostitution unwillingly.
In Bulgaria many women are forced into prostitution against their will. Awareness about the problem is being generated, so that people know what is going on and what its implications are. Source
The United Nations Millennium Declaration and subsequent meetings held also highlighted the seriousness of trafficking in women and how it should be checked. It was felt that there was an urgent need to eliminate all forms of sexual violence against women, which includes trafficking as well.Source
In China, a five-year plan was decided upon to combat trafficking of women, as trafficking in women and children was on the increase. Organized criminal activities and cross-border cases were on the increase, and it was felt that the problem had to be tackled at grass-root levels.
Forced marriages have placed women in a vulnerable position, more prone to exploitation. Many of these women are forced into prostitution by their spouse and his family. Coercion or deceit as a global phenomenon was observed by Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW), an alliance of more than 80 non-governmental (NGOs) from all over the world. The International Secretariat of GAATW is based in Bangkok, Thailand.
In Ukraine, it was felt setting up SOS hotline for victims of trafficking, establishing an independent NGO known as, The International Women’s Centre La Strada, and specialized awareness campaigns can curtail trafficking in women. Source
The Council of Europe member states, a pan-European organization, also observed that there was an increase in trafficking in women and forced prostitution within the member states and was concerned about the increased involvement of organized criminals elements that have made trafficking of women a lucrative business. Source
Several tactics are used to force women into prostitution. Deception, fraud, physical force, intimidation, debt bondage are used against women to compel them to sell their bodies. In Bosnia, for example, corrupt officials facilitate the trafficking, acceptance of bribes to forge passports, in other words, wide-spread corruption has forced women to become victims of prostitution.
The European Commission has also come up with a comprehensive European strategy to counter the growth of trafficking in women. It condemned the crime as being abhorrent, and it affected the fabric of the society. Poverty, lack of education and unemployment were responsible for women being forced into sexual exploitation.
The International Organization for Migration ( IOM) and research conducted by the NGO International Campaign to End Child Prostitution in Asian Tourism (EPCAT) observed that many women and girls from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus were being transported westwards. Priority was given by IOM to combat trafficking in women.
The Amnesty International USA has also expressed its concern about the growing menace of forced prostitution and felt it was a global phenomenon requiring international cooperation. Source
Japan is known for its high rate of exporting and importing women for prostitution purposes. Debt bondage, increase in HIV/AIDS, physical abuse in the place of work, deportation without money are problems that women are facing.
New Delhi, India has become a focal point for trafficking in women based on United Nations reports. Other countries involved in such activities are Thailand, Pakistan, China and Cambodia. Next to drugs and arms, trafficking in women is the most lucrative illicit business in the world.
It is quite obvious that trafficking in women is of serious concern to people world-over. Women in all corners of the world are falling a prey to criminal elements that are out to make a fast buck at their cost. It is a social problem with economic genesis and is being dealt with at the political level. Women have to be economically strong and should be fully aware of their rights. Exploitation of women undermines womanhood and it is quite natural for conscious citizens to voice their concern for such an evil crime.
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