Why are women disproportionately affected by modern slavery?

This week, International Women's Day is on Wednesday (March 8th) - A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. This year’s theme is #EmbraceEquity.

In the area of modern slavery, women are disproportionately affected. There are many factors that contribute towards this gender imbalance such as the fact that only 2 in 5 girls worldwide complete secondary school and each year, 15 million girls will never go to school. This lack of education increases the risk of child marriage and forced labour. Globally, there are 122 women (aged 25-34) in extreme poverty for every 100 men of the same age which makes women and girls disproportionately vulnerable to exploitation.

Modern slavery statistics:

• Fifty four per cent of global modern slavery victims are female

• One in every 130 females globally is living in modern slavery

• Two thirds of all forced marriage victims are women or girls

• 13 million girls experience forced sex in their lifetime

• Sexual exploitation and domestic servitude disproportionately affect women and girls.

Domestic servitude disproportionally affects women and girls - listen to Rayowa tell her story of getting trapped in domestic servitude in London

To find out more about the Clewer Initiative and their Women in the Shadows project, click here. You can find some more insightful videos, plus studies and resources for lent with actions you can take.

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