Exploitation of women

Nature

Exploitation of women refers to the unfair or abusive treatment of women for personal, social, or economic gain. This problem manifests in various forms, including forced labor, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, wage discrimination, and denial of rights. Rooted in gender inequality and societal norms, exploitation perpetuates poverty, violence, and limited opportunities for women. It undermines human dignity and hinders social and economic development. Addressing this issue requires legal reforms, education, and empowerment initiatives to promote gender equality and protect women’s rights globally.

Background

The exploitation of women emerged as a recognized global issue in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as reformers documented abuses in labor, trafficking, and domestic spheres. International attention intensified with the League of Nations’ investigations into trafficking and the ILO’s early conventions. Subsequent decades saw expanded understanding through feminist scholarship and UN reports, revealing the pervasive, systemic nature of exploitation across cultures, economies, and legal systems.

Incidence

Exploitation of women remains a pervasive global issue, affecting millions across diverse regions and sectors. Women are disproportionately subjected to forced labour, human trafficking, wage discrimination, and sexual exploitation, with the International Labour Organization estimating that 71% of all victims of modern slavery are female. This exploitation is prevalent in both developed and developing countries, spanning industries such as agriculture, domestic work, manufacturing, and the sex trade.
In 2023, authorities in India uncovered a major trafficking ring in Hyderabad, where over 100 women were rescued from forced prostitution and bonded labour. The operation highlighted ongoing systemic vulnerabilities and the urgent need for stronger protections.