Human Trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some labor or commercial sex act. Trafficking is at its height during times of political instability and civil unrest. Citizens who do not have access to education, are living in poverty, or lack economic opportunities, are most susceptible to trafficking. Human Trafficking comes in all shapes and forms, not only is it sexual exploitation, but it also includes domestic servitude, forced marriage, child soldiers, and forced criminality. It is not an issue that can be taken lightly
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Human trafficking is a universal issue that threatens all citizens regardless of age, gender, or racial demographics. According to the ILO (Internation Labour Organization 2017), 24.9 million people are victims of forced labor. 4.8 million people are trafficked for forced sexual exploitation. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by human trafficking, accounting for 71% of all victims, and finally, it is estimated that 20.9 million people are trafficked worldwide!
Human Trafficking does not only affect the victim, but it also affects the victims' family and community. Victims of Human Trafficking, experience PTSD, depression, memory loss, anxiety, and other forms of mental trauma. Human Trafficking, as a whole, undermines the safety and security of all nations it touches.
We are rising seniors who met through a non-profit organization that teaches young women computer programming skills necessary to increase opportunities in the 21st century known as Girls Who Code. We are passionate about lacrosse, bike riding, writing, and learning new things. We have come together to use our new skills developed in the Girls Who Code to call attention to such a pressing issue that plagues our world!