5 Female Pioneers of the Anti-Human Trafficking Movement
by Chloe Gillespie
Established in 2010, January is recognized as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month. To recognize this movement, we decided to take a look at some incredible women fighting against human trafficking. The following women have selflessly dedicated themselves to this cause; and we feel compelled to share their stories.
Katie ford
Katie Ford, former CEO of Ford Modeling Agency, redirected her attention to the issue of human trafficking in 2008. Ford founded Freedom for All, a not-for-profit organization with the goal of ending modern day slavery. She used her skills and contacts from her past to expand the organization to five countries. Freedom for All continues to partner with international organizations in the fight against human trafficking.
Image via freetheslaves.net
Alika kinan
Alika Kinan has a unique perspective in the field of human trafficking prevention; she was trafficked herself at age 18. Kinan spent 20 years in an Argentine brothel before being rescued.The brave Kinan then became the first woman of her country to legally retaliate against her traffickers and the state. Kinan is now an active advocate for trafficked women. In 2017, Kinan was recognized for her remarkable work by the Trafficking in Persons Report.
Image via: npr.org
Boom mosby
We interviewed Boom Mosby in 2018 and were amazed by her courage and efforts in the field of human trafficking prevention. In 2012, Mosby founded the HUG Project under the Family Connection Foundation. HUG, standing for Hope, Understanding and Grace, focuses on both preventing and recovering children from human trafficking cases. Mosby has been honored by the U.S. Department of State and Vital Voices for her courageous work in this field. To see our interview with Mosby, click here.
Image via: Vital Voices
Vanaja Jasphine
Vanaja Jasphine, an Indian nun, has been recognized for her profound work with victims of human trafficking. Sister Jasphine rescues enslaved women from poor and devastated communities in Cameroon. She supports victims involved in horrific situations of human slavery and exploitation. Sister Jasphine has been honored by the U.S. Trafficking in Persons report for her work with the Kumbo Diocesan Commission for Justice and Peace.
Image via: africanquarters.com
katherine chon
Katherine Chon emulates leadership as a pioneer in the fight against human slavery. She co-founded the Polaris Project during her senior year at Brown University in 2002. The Polaris Project responds to instances of human trafficking while working to dissemble the systems in which trafficking exists. Currently, Chon serves on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as the Director of the Office on Trafficking in Persons. Chon’s extensive experience in the realm of human trafficking, including testifying in front of the U.S. Congress, reveals her incredible expertise on this topic.