On March 20, 2024, Ensign Global College hosted a pivotal webinar titled “Responses to Human Trafficking: Navigating Challenges, Fostering Hope.” The webinar featured an esteemed panel of international experts on human trafficking. The panel included Kevin Bales, Professor of Contemporary Slavery and co-founder of NGO, Free the Slaves; Ray Lamont, The Salvation Army’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Coordinator, and Afasi Komla, Engage Now Africa’s (ENA) Director of End Modern Slavery and Chief Coordinating Officer for the African Survivors Network.

Professor Stephen Alder, President of Ensign Global College opened the webinar by welcoming attendees and emphasizing the institution's commitment to addressing human trafficking from a public health perspective, focusing on prevention and treatment alongside traditional criminal justice approaches. Alder noted, “With Ensign Global College’s rich background and expertise in public health, it made sense to make human trafficking an area of priority for our institution to focus on and partner with Engage Now Africa, a seasoned advocate in responding to the challenges of addressing human trafficking..”

The webinar covered topics such as what is modern slavery, the feminization of labor and human trafficking, the intersection between slavery and conflict, and the influence social media has on human trafficking.

According to statistics, approximately 49.6 million people are victims of human trafficking and modern slavery including forced labor and forced marriage. This is equal to the entire population of the country of Spain being enslaved.

While these are large numbers, Ray Lamont left viewers with a message of encouragement during her presentation that focused on the feminization of labor and human trafficking. “There is hope. The hope lies in women and girls and their economic empowerment. They are the solution and the key to dismantling the feminization of labor and that easy crossover into human trafficking and exploitation.”

The Ensign Global College Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative, in partnership with Engage Now Africa, is dedicated to proactive solutions for this worldwide issue. Through the initiative’s focus on prevention, intervention, research, and reintegration, the aim is to illuminate the complexities of human trafficking and inspire hope for effective solutions.

Looking ahead, Ensign Global College will host a conference and workshop series from August 4th to 6th, 2024, on campus in Kpong, Ghana. This event will delve into the public health challenges posed by human trafficking.

If you missed the webinar and would like to view it, please visit our YouTube Channel, and if are interested in getting more information on upcoming educational opportunities on responses to human trafficking, send an email to info@ensign.edu.gh.