Contributing factors
Escape from poverty
Clearly, the main reason for wishing to migrate is the desire to pursue a better life and to earn foreign currency. Yet other factors often conspire to limit the choices of many women and children, leading to their entry into an agreement with a trafficker. These factors are, in many cases, country-specific. For example, one report chronicles the situation of North Korean women who are refugees in China, having escaped from harsh conditions across the border. These women are often vulnerable to traffickers, who wait for them at borders and other crossing points. The women are tricked into forced marriages, lured by the promise of food and shelter.
Targeting women and children
Another strong determinant is the particular vulnerability of women and children which makes them an easy target for traffickers. In particular, patterns of instability, oppression and discrimination may place women and children at greater risk, with social and cultural prejudices and the prevalence of gender violence presenting additional challenges to their effective protection from trafficking.
Trafficking networks
"Information technologies are making it relatively easy for traffickers to negotiate deals and arrange the movement of individuals"
While the reasons for women and girls’ involvement in trafficking are varied, the processes of movement are facilitated by two key elements of globalisation: improved communications and international trading networks. Information technologies are making it relatively easy for traffickers to negotiate deals and arrange the movement of individuals without leaving the country.
At the same time, commercial and financial liberalisation, advances in transportation and the increasing economic disparity between developed and underdeveloped countries are all conditions that enable perpetrators to traffic.
