Brief summary of presentation of information made

This seminar focused on the data and research behind the gender biases within modern slavery and human trafficking.

Over 40 million people are living in modern slavery today, and 70% of these people are women and girls.

The four guest panellists spoke on issues of gender bias in data collection, the varying definition of labour depending on the gender performing the work, undercounting trafficked individuals due to gender biases, and discussing how to have a more enriched narrative that is understood by activists, researchers, policy makers, and survivors.

Dr. Davina Durgana: Senior Statistician, Walk Free Foundation

• With the rise of Covid-19, we know that we can do better research on the issue of forced married. The rates of forced child marriage have increased tremendously over the past year due to families’ lack of income and children being taken out of school. Statisticians need to start at the minute data collection-census, making sure every enslaved individual is taken account for.
• Female participation is much higher in textiles, agriculture, and domestic servitude but data is not appropriately collected on gender orientations. When we don’t allow space for these differences, we make assumptions. Policies are then based on these assumptions. Survivor voices need to be heard. Data informs policy.
• To solve this issue we have to ensure data capacity is an integral part of what we do.

Natália Suzuki, Coordinator of Escravo, nem pensar!, Repórter Brasil

• Only 5% of individuals rescued from slave labour are women. Women are not just underrepresented in the work force but are underrepresented as victims. The prejudice and stigma against women are that they are dedicated to domesticated housework but are not seen as enslaved people. This lack of information holds us back from developing the appropriate policies to fight gendered slavery. Lack of assistance makes them more likely to become victims.
• We must acknowledge our beneficiaries to develop better policies and actions. Good public policies are basic in nature for a safe government, and the civil society should follow behind.
• An academic approach to data is necessary, but also must be accessible.

Juno Fitzpatrick, Director of Human Rights and Oceans, Conservation International

• In 2016, the media released information on human rights abuses within the seafood industry. The media focused on labour abuses at sea and seafood supply chains, which featured mostly men. Women are being left out of the conversation. Half of the sector is women taking part in land-based activities such as cleaning fish and post-production tasks. We must raise awareness for the women being labour trafficked to support their economic rights and livelihood protection.
• To solve this issue, we need more representation of women in data research. This involves case studies, survivor narratives, green peace, and publishing data from what’s happening at the land, sea, and global level.

Caroline Adhiambo, Survivor Leader and Researcher

• Gender bias results in undercounting people of all genders. In Kenya, people are ruled by cultural norms. Individuals don’t understand they’re being exploited at first, when the culture has trained them to be submissive. Girls are trained to marry their rapist in effort to not bring shame upon their family. Men are not expected to complain about any challenge, as this is not the cultural norm. Males do not have a platform to speak out, and women are not protected from being victimised.
• To solve this issue, we need on the ground research. Survivor input gives a government a deeper understanding with the perspective of an individual who was once victimised. In Africa, work defines our culture, so the issue of modern slavery can go easily hidden.

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?

This meeting highlighted the importance of the work The Salvation Army aims to accomplish through the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response. It is vital that survivor narratives are included and information is made accessible. This includes being aware of our own gender biases and making sure all resources are translated.

Web links for more information

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Tags: SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth