'The most expensive journey in the world' to raise awareness on human trafficking

“It is very likely that in your city, neighbourhood or around you there are women who are subject to situations of labour and sexual slavery without you knowing. They are stripped of humanity by criminal groups that have robbed them of their rights and consider them as tools…” This message that is being shared on social media is part of 'The most expensive journey in the world', a campaign aiming to raise awareness on people trafficking. 

ABD is behind the campaign 'Cope&Hope' in Catalonia; this initiative promotes the social and labour recovery and empowerment for migrant women who have survived human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Since 2020 they have offered support to 41 women. 'Cope&Hope' is a European programme that is being implemented in Barcelona (Spain) and Milan (Italy). Training sessions have a childcare service so that women can attend with their children and thus ensure that they are able to participate in the programme.

Now, with 'The most expensive journey in the world', in addition to raise awareness on the reality behind human trafficking, ABD is working to build up an alliance with companies, training centres and volunteers that can contribute to the recovery process of women.

Human trafficking for sexual exploitation is a form of male violence that especially affects women and girls. It is estimated, even if figures are only approximate, that more than 21 million people are victims of this around the world.

As a spokesperson of this organisation explains, “the campaign ‘The most expensive journey in the world’ aims at giving visibility to the high costs of trafficking in emotional, personal development, professional and social inclusion terms”. It is also a call to companies and training centres wishing to collaborate in finding an answer to the work and training needs of women participating in ‘Cope&Hope’.

They are also looking for volunteers who wish to support the process of these women’s personal empowerment through helping them learn languages, supporting them in sports, cultural and leisure activities, when they need to do paperwork, or with childcare, among others. 

To sign up for this collaboration there is a link on the website of ‘Cope&Hope’.