Human trafficking is a $150 billion industry globally.
The International Labour Organization's (ILO) 2016
estimate reveals that 40.3 million people were victimized worldwide through modern-day slavery, 5.4
victims per every thousand people worldwide. Of these 40.3 million victims in 2016, 29 million were
women and girls (72% of the total). Almost 5 million in 2016 were victims of forced sexual exploitation
globally, with children making up more than 20% of that number. According to new 2016 global
estimates, data collected by the ILO and the Walk Free Foundation (WFF) in partnership with the
International Organization for Migration (IOM) as part of their contribution to the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG), puts the number close to 25 million persons who have been subjected to
forced labor worldwide and 15.4 million in forced [Link] Eastern European and Central Asian
regions have approximately 210,000 forced labor victims. Notably, almost all victims (200,000) were
trafficked across international borders. Furthermore, 46% of victims in this region were exclusively
exposed to forced sexual exploitation. Reports indicate that a significant number of minors are being
trafficked into Western Europe. Research shows that Eastern Europe and Central Asia has primarily
focused on transnational human trafficking, particularly nonconsensual exploitation. According to Clert
et al. (2005), Moldova, Albania, Romania, and Bulgaria are the primary source countries for human
trafficking in the region, with destinations including Western Europe, North America, Israel, Turkey, and
the Middle East. While no Eastern European or Central Asian countries have been ranked as Tier 3 by
the US State Department, several countries, including Armenia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, and
Ukraine, have been placed on the Tier 2 Watch List. In South America, sexual exploitation of women and
girls remains the predominant form of human trafficking, with most victims being trafficked domestically
or regionally, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). However, a 2019
Polaris report revealed that 77% of immigrant victims from Latin America and the Caribbean were
forced into labor, mainly in agricultural work. Additionally, the International Labor Organization (ILO)
estimates that forced labor in Latin America and the Caribbean generates a staggering $12 billion in
annual profits.
The U.S. State Department's Trafficking in Persons Report, which has been monitoring global statistics
since 2005, has identified Peru as a country where men, women, and children are exploited as victims of
forced labor and sex trafficking, serving as a source, destination, and transit point for these illicit
activities (DOS, 2014). Annual reports from regional and national news outlets highlight the trends of
labor and sex trafficking throughout the country (El Comercio, 2015). For instance, the emergence of the
Shining Path guerrilla insurgency in the 1980s led to the forced recruitment and utilization of child
soldiers, a disturbing practice that persists to this day (UNICEF, 2012). Furthermore, human rights
advocates report that vulnerable populations in Peru lack access to essential resources, services, and
legal safeguards, exacerbating the situation (CHS, 2013). Lima, Peru's capital, exemplifies a modern
industrialized city along the Pan-American highway, yet struggles with issues like forced begging,
prostitution, and drug trafficking. With a population of around 30.1 million and a poverty rate of 30%
(exceeding 55% in rural areas) (CIA, 2015). According to the Walk Free Foundation's 2014 Global Slavery
Index, approximately 66,300 people are currently living in slavery in Peru, ranking it 4th in South
America for modern slavery prevalence (WFF, 2015).
The alarming rise of human trafficking in East Asia and the Pacific necessitates immediate attention.
According to the UNODC's 2016 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, over 85% of victims originate
from within the region. Countries like China, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand serve as destinations for
trafficked individuals from neighboring nations. Thailand is the primary destination for victims from
Cambodia, Lao P.D.R., and Myanmar, while Malaysia receives victims from Indonesia, the Philippines,
and Vietnam. The majority of victims in East Asia are women (51%) and children (nearly a third), with
60% of the 7,800 identified victims between 2012-2014 being trafficked for sexual exploitation. Women
and children from impoverished and remote communities are particularly vulnerable to domestic
servitude, forced labor, and forced marriages. The Mekong region, encompassing Cambodia, China,
Myanmar, and Vietnam, is especially plagued by forced marriages of young women and girls.
Furthermore, human trafficking is a widespread issue in Africa, manifesting differently across various
regions. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for a staggering 19% of the world's enslaved population (Fedele,
2019). The most common forms of modern slavery in this region include forced labor, coerced
marriages, and sexual exploitation, highlighting the need for urgent attention and action. Human
trafficking statistics in West Africa primarily focus on child, sex, and forced labor trafficking. A staggering
99% of detected victims in West Africa are trafficked within their own countries or regions (Africa Centre
for Strategic Studies, 2019). The trafficking landscape in West Africa is complex, with multiple routes and
countries involved. Nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Senegal serve as source, transit, and
destination points for trafficked women and children, who are disproportionately vulnerable. Young girls
from rural areas in countries such as Mali, Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana are increasingly being
trafficked to work on cocoa plantations in urban Côte d'Ivoire (Olutola & Bello, 2020). Children, mostly in
West Africa, account for over 50% of trafficking victims in sub-Saharan Africa. The 2018 Global Slavery
Index report ranks Nigeria 32nd out of 167 countries, with approximately 1.38 million slaves (Africa's
Children's Fund Organisation, 2019). Furthermore, girls tend to be more vulnerable to trafficking due to
various socio-economic factors.
In Southern Africa, victims of human trafficking are predominantly subjected to sexual exploitation,
forced labor, and labor exploitation. Female victims, particularly girls, are disproportionately vulnerable
to commercial sexual exploitation compared to male victims (Chembe, 2016). Labour exploitation is also
prevalent in various sectors, including agriculture, where men and boys are often exploited, as well as in
mining, domestic servitude, and other economic activities, which disproportionately affect women and
girls (Pocock et al., 2016). Regionally, South Africa has emerged as a primary destination for human
trafficking victims, owing to its well-developed air transport infrastructure, global connectivity, and
access to maritime transport (Chembe, 2016). The incidence of human trafficking is escalating in South
and southern Africa, with the sub-continent ranking among the top 10 trafficking destinations globally.
In North Africa, human trafficking patterns involve domestic servitude, forced labor, child trafficking for
camel jockeys, and sex trafficking (Rafferty, 2013). Traffickers from North Africa primarily target
undocumented migrants from sub-Saharan Africa, including Mali, Niger, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
A 2004 study by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) revealed that all 53 African nations
reported human trafficking cases, driven by poverty, conflict, instability, and traditional practices like
early marriage (Fleck, 2004). The study highlighted the lack of concrete policies to address the root
causes of human trafficking. The report uncovered disturbing examples of human trafficking across
Africa. In Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Ghana, girls as young as eight were sold as brides due to misguided
beliefs about HIV infection. Children from war-torn West African countries were forced into slave labor
on plantations. Togolese girls were trafficked as domestic servants, while in Malawi, European tourists
fueled demand for child prostitution, with some children being sent to Europe as sex slaves (Fleck,
2004).
Zimbabwe experienced a surge in human trafficking cases between 1998 and 2003, during the land
invasion period, as noted by Sachikonye (2013). However, the Zimbabwean context reveals a complex
array of factors that render citizens vulnerable to human trafficking. According to Mhlanga & Mhlanga
(2021), these factors inadvertently drive individuals into human trafficking. Key issues include poverty,
unemployment, income scarcity, inadequate healthcare, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, natural disasters like
COVID-19, political instability, and weak institutional frameworks. From an African perspective, poverty
is the primary driver of human trafficking. Poverty is characterized by the deprivation of basic necessities
and limited access to essential goods due to low income (Banda, 2020). In Africa, poverty is perpetuated
by various factors, including colonial legacies, geographical constraints, weather conditions, epidemics,
ineffective and corrupt leadership, gender disparities, religious beliefs, and moral decay (Banda, 2020).
In contrast, the Western world defines poverty primarily in economic terms, with the World Bank
estimating that individuals living on less than $1.90 per day are impoverished (Tearfund, 2019).
According to the UN Office for Drugs and Crime (2016), 51% of identified trafficking victims were
women, 28% children, and 21% men. Zimbabwe is a significant source country for human trafficking,
with approximately 50,000 Zimbabweans deported from South Africa in 2005. The country's economic
crisis, particularly between 2006-2008, exacerbated human trafficking, with many Zimbabweans seeking
employment in South Africa and becoming vulnerable to exploitation. The International Organisation for
Migration (2011) reported that many trafficked Zimbabweans were forced to work on farms and estates
in South Africa. Historically, human trafficking in Zimbabwe can be divided into two periods: pre-
independence and post-independence. During pre-independence, human trafficking was driven by the
retention of power by kings, European colonization, and the demand for labor in tropical America and
South Africa. In post-independent Zimbabwe, human trafficking has been fueled by political instability,
economic depression, and tradition. The First Republic (1980-2017) witnessed numerous human
trafficking cases, with many Zimbabweans being trafficked to South Africa. More recently, over 200
Zimbabwean women were trafficked to Kuwait in 2016 (The Herald, 2016). In 2022, Zimbabwe
witnessed a significant increase in human trafficking cases, including both domestic and transnational
incidents. Authorities recorded and investigated 69 cases involving 139 victims. Seven Zimbabwean
nationals were arrested and are currently in custody awaiting trial for their alleged involvement in
human trafficking. Four of the accused were linked to cases involving Oman, while the remaining three
were connected to domestic trafficking cases, (The Herald 2022). Over 40 Zimbabwean women are
reportedly stranded in Sierra Leone after being deceived by a human trafficking syndicate operating
through a local company in collaboration with a foreign entity (The Herald, 2024). The victims were
lured to Sierra Leone with promises of high-paying jobs, only to find themselves in a desperate situation
upon arrival in Freetown, the capital city. As such, this study seeks to comprehend experiences of
women survivors of human trafficking in Highfield, Harare.
JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
The importance of carrying out research in Highfield, Harare, Zimbabwe, cannot be overstated,
particularly when it comes to understanding the complexities of human trafficking. Highfield, a densely
populated suburb in Harare, has been identified as a hotspot for human trafficking, with many women
and girls being recruited and exploited in the area. Studying the experiences of women survivors of
human trafficking in Highfield is crucial for understanding the local context and nuances of this global
issue (Hopper & Hidalgo, 2006; Bales, 2004; Shelley, 2010). Despite being disproportionately affected by
human trafficking, women's experiences are often overlooked or marginalized in research and policy
discussions (Bales, 2004; Laczko & Gozdziak, 2005). A deeper understanding of women's experiences in
Highfield can inform more effective prevention and intervention strategies, as well as improve support
services for survivors (Clawson & Dutch, 2008; Farrell & Pfeffer, 2014). Research has shown that women
who have been trafficked often face unique challenges, including sexual exploitation, physical and
emotional abuse, and social isolation (Farrell & Pfeffer, 2014; Hopper & Hidalgo, 2006). Furthermore,
women's experiences of human trafficking in Highfield are often intertwined with other forms of
oppression, such as poverty, racism, and gender-based violence (Kotrla, 2010; Walk Free Foundation,
2021). Therefore, any efforts to address human trafficking in Highfield must also consider these broader
structural issues (Bales, 2004; Shelley, 2010). Recent studies have highlighted the importance of
centering the voices and experiences of women survivors in anti-trafficking efforts (Surtees, 2020;
Zhang, 2021). This includes providing survivor-centered support services, addressing the root causes of
trafficking, and promoting gender equality and empowerment (Clawson & Dutch, 2008; Walk Free
Foundation, 2021).
The study's findings may provide vital insights to NGOs dedicated to combating human trafficking and
protecting women, such as International Organization for Migration (IOM), Talitha Kum Zimbabwe, and
Love Justice Zimbabwe. Also, Center for Combating Human Trafficking (Bindura University of Science
Education), The Vurkahani Trust , Zimbabwe- United States Department of State and Childline
Zimbabwe. These organizations can benefit from the study's recommendations on how to respond to
the needs of women and girls who have been trafficked, particularly in areas such as raising awareness,
providing support for reunification and reintegration, and offering educational and vocational training
programs.
Social workers in various settings can benefit from this study by advocating for protection mechanisms
and safeguards against human trafficking, particularly for women and girls. They can raise awareness
about the dangers of trafficking, identify gaps in existing interventions, and develop psychosocial
support programs. Additionally, social workers can collaborate with other stakeholders to address the
root causes of trafficking. Social Work is a practice based and academic discipline that aims to enhance
social functioning of people (IFSW, 2014). In Zimbabwe, social workers play a crucial role in protecting
women and children from trafficking, as outlined in the Trafficking in Persons Act (Chapter 9:25) and the
Domestic Violence Act (Chapter 5:16). These laws empower social workers to intervene and provide
support to victims of trafficking and domestic violence.
The Department of Social Development may benefit from this study as it provides valuable insights into
the experiences of women survivors of human trafficking, ultimately informing the development of
tailored interventions. By exploring the complex factors that contribute to their vulnerability, the DSD
may create programs that address the societal, economic, and cultural circumstances that push women
into human trafficking, and provide essential services such as counseling, education, and economic
empowerment to support their recovery and reintegration.
The study's findings may be of great interest to policy makers in Zimbabwe, particularly in addressing
the shortcomings in the country's definition and handling of human trafficking. Despite Zimbabwe's
efforts to combat trafficking, the US Department of State's 2024 report highlights areas that require
improvement, such as amending the anti-trafficking law to criminalize all forms of trafficking and
increasing efforts to identify and protect victims. By informing policymakers on the gaps in the current
law, challenges faced by victims, and effective awareness-raising strategies, the study can contribute to
strengthening Zimbabwe's response to human trafficking and better protecting its citizens from this
scourge.
The study's findings may greatly benefit Midlands State University, particularly the School of Social
Work, as they shed light on the experiences of women survivors of trafficking. The university may
support further research in various areas regarding women survivors of trafficking, as there is a
significant need to expand the existing literature on this critical issue.
This study seeks to amplify the voices of women survivors of human trafficking by documenting their
experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms. The findings may prompt collaborative efforts
between the government and NGOs to protect and support these women by addressing the root causes
of trafficking. As a vulnerable group, women survivors of human trafficking require special protection
and support. This study may also serve as a deterrent to those who may be lured into trafficking
situations by highlighting the dangers and challenges associated with it. Additionally, communities,
including families, community leaders, and social service providers, may benefit from this study as it
raises awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and promotes community-based support
structures for women survivors.