Elevating the voices of women migrant workers to reduce precarity and vulnerability to human trafficking and modern slavery
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The problem
In 2018 , 50,000 people were victims of human trafficking internationally . Women made up 46 % of victims with women migrant workers particularly at risk . Women ’ s labour migration from low-income to G20 countries has grown over the past two decades . In addition to trafficking , a lack of effective government policies and support programs leaves many women migrants at risk of labour exploitation and abuse . The eradication of modern slavery and human trafficking is tasked in the UN ’ s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , itself an urgent call for global action .
Our solution
Elevating the voices of women migrant workers is essential to understanding their intersectional disadvantage , says Dr Joyce Wu from UNSW ’ s School of Social Sciences . G20 countries have a role to play in documenting challenges along the migration pathway to reduce migrant women ’ s precarity and risk of labour exploitation and trafficking .
Joyce Wu is a former aid worker who researches sexual and gendered violence in conflict and post-conflict situations , intersectionality and inequality , and sustainable development . She is part of an international research consortium calling on the G20 to uphold the human rights and fair work conditions of women migrants .
The consortium is a collaboration between the International Food Policy Research Institute ( IFPRI ) and international development scholars , funded by the UK Foreign , Commonwealth & Development Office , Oxford Policy Management and CGIAR Research Program on Water , Land and Ecosystems . It is evaluating the International Labour Organisation-led Work in Freedom program that aims to reduce forced labour in the domestic and garment sectors arising from South Asia-Arab States migration .
The research analyses its interventions and advocacy alongside issues and trends to inform best practice . It facilitates policy discussions with governments , NGOs , academics and women migrant workers to promote multilateral solutions that improve regulations and health and support services and safeguard women ’ s rights and fair work conditions .
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