By Zainab Sessay
Network of Girls Against Human Trafficking, Nogaht Wednesday organised a sensitisation forum engaging the Lord Mayor of KMC, Councillors, NAMs, and the ministries of justice and youth and sport.
They also educate members of the National Youth Council, Alkalolu, kaafos and religious leaders on the dangers associated with human trafficking and its impact on society as a whole. The forum ended at the KMC chambers at West Field.
Cherno Gaye, executive coordinator of the Nogaht, said the network was formed to end suffering and exploitation of Gambian women and girls.
“We have a situation in the country where girls get exploited, used and are treated as if they were worth nothing.”
He said so much focus is being placed on ‘backway’, but “human trafficking is another problem in our country”.
Lord Mayor Talib Bensouda denounced the criminal practice, and promised to continue creating that platform where all stakeholders can meet to raise awareness of dangers associated with human trafficking.
He said human trafficking is one of those “under reported” stories in the media, despite its prevalence.
Ousman George Badjie, officer in charge of gender and child protection unit at the Gambia Immigration Department, called human trafficking “a global crisis” that is inextricably linked to the current wave of globallistion particularly in sex industries.
“These industries involve women and children in domestic servitude and petty trading.”
