For the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organised Crime, it is important to remember that organised crime does not only manifest through drug or arms trafficking. Sexual exploitation, too, is strategic, structured, and transnational – and follows the same logic: control, deception, profit, and violence.
Every year, millions of people fall victim to trafficking for sexual exploitation: women, minors, LGBTQIA+ people, individuals with a migratory background, and many others facing multiple forms of discrimination are recruited, transported, or held through deceit or force, coerced into abuse for someone else’s economic gain.
This global phenomenon thrives on gender inequality, poverty, conflict, and systemic injustice. It cuts across borders, economies, and societies – and it cannot be addressed in isolation.
Through WeLENS, we work to reinforce collective efforts against these forms of systemic violence, promoting strategic transnational cooperation. Through training activities and awareness-raising initiatives, WeLENS strengthens the skills of educators, professionals, and local communities, building cooperation networks and safe spaces that place women’s wellbeing and dignity at the centre.
Together for a more aware and supportive community
Fighting organised crime and human trafficking means listening to women’s voices, recognising the rights that have been violated, and promoting care as a form of resistance. Only an informed and aware community – one that understands the global dimension of these phenomena – can help break the cycle of violence and exploitation.
On Friday 28 November, join us at Spazio B-UNA, hosted by ARCI Porco Rosso, for Space for wellbeing – Ask the Expert, an event where we will explore relational wellbeing and dynamics of violence and power, organised within the framework of WeLENS.
Learn more and take part: https://cesie.org/en/events/welens-space-wellbeing-dialoghiamo/
About WeLENS
WeLENS – Educational practices through a gender lens aims at combating gender based violence through information and storytelling, involving organisations from Italy, France, Greece, Martinique and Argentina. The project is funded by Erasmus+, Key Action 2, Cooperation partnerships in adult education.
Partners
- DADA – D’Antilles et D’Ailleurs (Martinique, coordinator)
- CESIE ETS (Italy)
- FemLENS (Estonia)
- NO GAP (Italy)
- Elan interculturel (France)
- KEMEA – KEntro MEleton Asfaleias (Greece)
- WAD – Women Across Differences (Guyana)
- MVT – Asociacion madres de constitucion para fomentar la seguridad y el bienestar de los habitantes (Argentina)
- CUVT – Comision Unidos vs Trata (Mexico)
- Beecom (Italy)
For further information
Contact Ludovica Leotti, ludovica.leotti@cesie.org
