Sigma Huda, the first UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, especially women and children, and who contributed towards developing a practical handbook for concerned stakeholders, and Ruchira Gupta, author of the recently released ‘I Kick and I Fly’ and founder of the survivor organisation Apne Aap in India are among the speakers at a discussion sunfay, July 30, on 'Combating Trafficking of Women in South Asia’.

The 18th edition of the Southasia Peace Action Network (Sapan) monthly series titled 'Imagine! Neighbours in Peace,' marks the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and will be held on Sunday July 30, 2023 (10 am ET / 3 pm GMT / 4 pm CET / 7 pm PKT / 7.30 pm IST / 7:45 pm NPT / 8 pm).

Thousands of women in the region are sold within their countries, across borders and trafficked to the Middle East and other parts of the world. The objective is to identify core causes and possible solutions by exploring the three elements of sex trafficking: the act, means, and purpose; to explore and discuss effective strategies for prosecuting, protecting, and preventing women trafficking; and to advocate for policy changes and coordinated efforts at national and regional levels.

Well-known activist Khawar Mumtaz, former chair of Pakistan’s National Commission on the Status of Women, will host the event featuring personalities with strong credentials as academics, authors, activists and stakeholders counting many years of experience in grappling with human trafficking. 

Panellists include: Mehr Husain, author, publisher and journalist from Lahore; Sabin Shrestha, Executive Director, Forum for Women, Law and Development, Kathmandu; Sharli Mudaliyar, a doctoral scholar at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, who specialises in criminal justice social work for victims of trafficking

The discussion, moderated by Sri Lankan poet and journalist Malinda Seneviratne, will be held online, with the link sent to participants via email once they register. 

The event will be streamed on YouTube Live and also shared on Facebook.

Speaker bios are at this link.