social discrimination
One of the major reasons for the continued sex trafficking industry in Southeast Asia is the discrimination that women and girls (the main demographic of sex trafficking victims) face. This discrimination manifests within social, cultural, and legal matters.
The prevalence of the patriarchy throughout Southeast Asia is a significant factor to consider (especially in rural areas). Implications of the patriarchal structure in this region include:
- The idea that women are incapable of handling finances, therefore granting them almost little to no economic freedom
- Women’s education is not valued like their male counterparts
- Not eligible to hold political offices (this kind of position could allow women to concentrate time towards policies to limit sex trafficking)
These factors are based on the notion that women are weaker, more emotional, and generally worth less than men, therefore their thoughts and actions are not permissible for being granted any kind of societal power. This environment makes it difficult for victims of sex trafficking to speak out, seek help, or claim justice. Those who do choose to come forward and seek justice are shunned and ultimately silenced. This allows the continuance of a culture where sexual violence and trafficking are common place activities which are accepted as part of the social norm, a grievance, but a reality (UNODC).
Women have almost no resources directing them towards help or opportunities which could guarantee them safety, as this kind of support is no where near a priority for public officials. Their internal struggle also translates into the external help women seek when these officials have failed them. When attempting to migrate, believing they have no other choice, women are put at a greater risk of being trafficked. Typically they move unbeknownst of this reality and their optimism is taken advantage of. The lack of resources/representation which directs women into the sex industry is why it’s so important to spread the message and advocate for preventative measures to keep women away from the dangers. If we cannot change society as a whole, we can at least do our best in educating the understanding of individuals.
Legal discrimination
Legal discrimination is seen in the lack of law enforcement and weak governing institutions which take part in enabling traffickers. Some of these compromised institutions include law enforcement agencies and criminal justice systems. Both have taken part in allowing traffickers to continue business with large profits and little risk of punishment (Perry and McEwing). It is extremely common for traffickers and gangs to bribe officials at all levels to simply “look away” from their illegal activities, which makes it difficult not only for anti-trafficking laws to be passed in this region, but also for a legitimate change to occur as a result (Caballero-Anthony, Lin).
Victims, if they manage to overcome the social stigma and go to the police, are not seen as a priority in sex trafficking cases and are often pushed to the side (Lin). Women especially are seen as an unimportant demographic to address when it comes to safety and justice. The central hub of this discrimination is in Southeast Asia, and given the injustices it’s crucial that these matters are handled with systemic change in mind. This is likely the only way we will see a significant difference in women’s livelihood overall.
A chart displaying the prevalence of legal discrimination as seen in different regions of the world.
Asia is shown to have the strongest existence of legal discrimination, a substantial factor in the immense occurrence of sexual exploitation of girls and women.