Forced Prostitution as Modern Slavery
In an ever globalized world, where population pressures and mass inequality create major movements of peoples across borders, the opportunities for human exploitation are increasing. The surplus in what Kevin Bales describes as “disposable people” and the ability to yield significant profits through economic exploitation has created an environment where women and girls are increasingly vulnerable to the industry of human trafficking and forced prostitution. Some societies view women and girls as an economic burden, resulting in their being sold into sexual slavery [1]. Forced prostitution is a modern day form of slavery. Women are subjected to human rights abuses, degradation and physical abuse, leading to diminished social development and health problems.
Sexual exploitation is one of the five most common types of human trafficking, with 98% of victims being women. According to the US Congressional Resource Service, human trafficking is the third most important source of revenue for organized criminal networks, behind drugs and guns [2]. UNICEF estimates that traffickers force almost two million children into prostitution each year. It is estimated that 20,000 children from Central America are reportedly smuggled into the US annually by commercial sex traffickers.
There are a number of factors contributing to the proliferation of human trafficking and forced prostitution. Wealth discrepancies and inequality, the economic conditions of developing states, the lack of opportunities for females in a number of societies and the demand for women in nations where certain cultures are perceived to be “exotic” are all contributing to the rates of forced prostitution. One analyst states that “societies must recognize that the root causes of trafficking often lie in the unequal treatment of women and girls, discrimination against minorities, and economic policies which fail to ensure universal access to education and legal protection”[3].
Women and girls are either abducted, kidnapped or lured into forced prostitution. They are told they will have better opportunities, desirable lifestyles and are promised better working conditions. In China for example, many women living in rural villages are promised work in factories in major cities. However, on arrival they are deceived and forced into the prostitution industry. In Albania, 90% of girls in rural areas don’t go to school for fear of being abducted and sold into sexual servitude [4]. The abduction of girls from school by traffickers has become so rampant that many families have stopped sending their children to school. Once abducted, sold, or coerced into the industry they face physical abuse, threats to turn them over to officials, threats of deportation, torture, rape, confinement, or threats to the victim’s family in their nation of origin or visa manipulation.
There are two to three million prostitutes in India, many of whom entered the industry unwillingly. One study has found that of Nepali and Indian prostitutes who began as teenagers, half said they had been coerced into working in brothels. Another study found that of prostitutes in nine countries, 89% wanted to escape the industry. Another problem in the continuing cycle of prostitution in places such as India, is the caste system. Studies have reported that close to 90% of sex workers’ daughters in India also joined the profession. In addition to threats such as assault, abuse and deportation imposed by pimps, it has also been found that a common method in forcing women to continue serving is building up their dependence on alcohol and drugs. Not only is their physical health being threatened, but drug addiction at a young age has significant long term consequences and poses a risk to their livelihood. A study of prostitutes in 9 countries showed that 70–95% had been physically assaulted, with 68% suffering post-traumatic stress disorder [5].
Providing women and girls with education and employment opportunities is a pivotal first step in preventing them from being coerced into the industry of forced prostitution. The Girls Educational and Mentoring Services is an example of an NGO which serves girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking. New Light is another organization which seeks to disrupt the cycle of forced prostitution. New Light is based in Kalighat, Kolkata and provides shelter, educational opportunities, recreational facilities, healthcare and legal aid for the children and women of Kalighat [6].
Ending human trafficking is all our responsibility. Support these organizations through donating, volunteering and raising awareness to contribute to the fight against forced prostitution. Stand with UN Women and the UNiTE Campaign as part of the 16 Days of Activism to end Gender-Based Violence.
[1] Zhang, Sheldon. Smuggling and Trafficking in Human Beings. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2007. Print.
[2] Torgoley, Shaheen P. “Trafficking and Forced Prostitution: A Manifestation of Modern Slavery. (Trafficking in Persons: Global Crisis, Global Perspective).” Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law 14, no. 2 (2006): 553–578.
[3] Torgoley, Shaheen P. “Trafficking and Forced Prostitution: A Manifestation of Modern Slavery. (Trafficking in Persons: Global Crisis, Global Perspective).” Tulane Journal of International and Comparative Law 14, no. 2 (2006): 553–578.
[4] Masci, David. “Human Trafficking and Slavery.” CQ Researcher. 14.12 (2004): 273–296. Print.
[5] “Forced Prostitution” Half the Sky Movement, accessed November 28, 2018, http://www.halftheskymovement.org/issues/forced-prostitution.html.
[6] “Forced Prostitution” Half the Sky Movement, accessed November 28, 2018, http://www.halftheskymovement.org/issues/forced-prostitution.html.
