#HerStory
#HerStory is an anti-modern slavery campaign by ActionAid International to raise awareness of the prevalence of modern slavery, shed light on the impact it has on women and girls in particular, and amplify the voice of female survivors.
Mehuba’s Story: Surviving Child Labour in Ethiopia
The Campaign In Focus
Latest reports reveal that an estimated 50 million people are trapped in situations of modern slavery, an increase of 10 million since 2017. Women and girls account for 4.9 million in forced commercial sexual exploitation, while 22 million were in forced marriages. 28 million are trapped in forced labour with majority of cases (86%) found in the private sector.
#HerStory campaign, features first-hand accounts of modern slavery by female survivors from across the world. The campaign urges governments to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190, adopt a legally binding instrument to prevent human rights and corporate abuse, promote decent work for women and support the achievement of SDG target 8.7.
Modern slavery crimes (including trafficking, forced labour, child labour, debt bondage and forced marriage), disproportionately affect women and girls, who are particularly vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence, extreme isolation, withheld wages and an increase in care responsibilities.
In addition, situations of crisis linked to conflict, disasters, climate change, COVID-19 and extreme poverty have further exacerbated many of the factors that contribute to the ongoing prevalence of modern slavery.
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery was declared by the United Nations following the adoption of the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others in 1949. The day is marked globally to raise awareness of and combat modern slavery.
“Modern slavery continues to be a serious concern. We owe it to the 50 million people trapped in modern slavery situations to bring salience to these issues and urge governments to ratify ILO C190, adopt a legally binding treaty for business and human rights and unite to end modern slavery crimes. This campaign is timely. Women and girls account for around three quarters (71%) of those in modern slavery. We must dedicate the space for survivors to be heard and hold businesses and governments accountable.”
– Wangari Kinoti, Global Lead on Women’s Rights and Feminist Alternatives, ActionAid International
Mehuba’s Story: Surviving Child Labour in Ethiopia
Ruby’s Story: Escaping Forced Prostitution in Ghana
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