The Parallels of Human Trafficking and Human Security

The past three presidents have made human trafficking a governance priority. But is human trafficking a threat against individuals or a national security threat? Can it be both?
The past three presidents have made human trafficking a governance priority. But is human trafficking a threat against individuals or a national security threat? Can it be both?
“Preventive anti-trafficking measures should be considered both as life-saving interventions and as being aimed at preventing violence against women."
“Without peace, development is impossible, and without development, peace is not achievable, but without women, neither peace nor development is possible.”
In honor of summer vacations and long road trips, we’re recommending three podcasts that are giving us life! Each puts a unique focus on varying security issues. Some shows dedicate more attention to the application of a gender perspective.
“The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”
What are the national and international policy frameworks that shaped the U.S. Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 and the mandated WPS Strategy that followed? Our Secure Future partnered with some congressional offices to request the Congressional Research Service to illuminate these structures that supported this landmark change for U.S. foreign policy.
Today, we celebrate the independence of thought and a vision of security with a gender perspective.
OSF Fellow Ambassador Donald Steinberg shares his thoughts on the recently released U.S. Government Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security and next steps to ensure implementation.
On September 11, 2001, I was getting my hands decorated with henna. Mr. A switched on the television. What we saw next made our breath catch in our throats. An aircraft dovetailed into the North Wing of the World Trade Centre. I remembered the building from a gigantic picture of New York by Night that my father held onto for years at home, and now it was fast dissipating into dust.
But I was a small voice amidst a multitude of human rights defenders and political activists including many women who protested the overthrow of democracy. They faced far more serious intimidation and violence. There were riots and looting. A political deadlock resulted in a second coup on September 25, 1987. The 1970 Constitution was revoked. Fiji was declared a republic. The Governor General became the President.
Let me take you through my beautiful country, Cameroon where our women have an age-long tradition of advocating for peace and security. The English regions of Cameroon have a group of post-menopausal women known as Takembeng. Takembeng is a female social movement in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.
Security to me is not just a word, it’s a goal in life. That can be financial, social and most importantly personal. Often people misunderstand security for wars and guns, but they forget that at the end of the day the only one who or what can make you feel secure is yourself and the people around you.