Saya Matsumoto
1A111G02-8
Gender in Global Politics
Professor Hobson
Research Essay
Gendered Dimensions of Human Trafficking
Introduction
There are approximately 21 million slaves in the world today; it affects women, men, children from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas. A global issue-it is the third largest crime industry in the world (after illegal weapons trading and drugs) worth 32$ billion (USD). Recently human trafficking has gathered more awareness within the public and political sphere, however due to the complicated nature of human trafficking there has not been sufficient action towards the prevention, protection (of victims) and intervention on international or local levels. While trafficking can affect anyone of all socio-economic
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Those living in poverty are more likely to be vulnerable to being trafficked whether its being tricked into accepting a fake job or being sold into slavery by neighbors and relatives. However, due to the position of women in many societies and cultures, women are especially vulnerable. It all starts with the general discrimination existing in local communities. Starting with childhood, sons are prioritized over daughters for receiving schooling and education. This already puts women at a disadvantage when as young adults, young women do not have the education or the skills to apply for the similar jobs to young men. If women manage to obtain a job, they receive lower wages than their male counterparts. Not only do women receive less than men, they work longer hours. For example in Kenya, women work 12.9 hours compared to 8.2 hours for men (GAATW, 2008). In addition to the long working hours and unequal wages, women are also expected to take care of the household. Working women in many countries around the world, regardless of whether it is a developing country or not, have dual roles where they are expected to work outside the home, performing “skilled labor” (working in labor market) as well as “unskilled labor” which consists of work such as housekeeping, raising children, bearing children. “Unskilled labor” also could consist of care-giving: taking care of older relatives and family members as well as work around the house their family farm. This “unskilled labor” is not considered ‘work’ yet they are expected and in some cases, required to do so as it is ‘their role’ as a woman. However often times due to myriad of reasons, women who are often left responsible for the welfare of their family, are forced to look elsewhere for other job opportunities, making them susceptible to trafficking and slavery. These reasons