Girls Act South Africa recently hosted a powerful workshop on human trafficking, giving young people the tools to recognize, prevent, and speak out against this global crime. The sessions explored what human trafficking is, how it impacts lives, and practical safety tips, including how to verify online job opportunities and protect themselves and others in their communities.

Attorneys joined the workshop to share the laws protecting South African youth and emphasized the importance of consent, knowing one’s rights, and reporting unsafe situations. To strengthen safety measures, participants were also introduced to local organizations and the Gauteng e-panic button app—a GPS-enabled tool that connects users directly to emergency services and quickly dispatches police or medical responders to their exact location. Members were encouraged to download the app as a vital resource in times of crisis.

The workshop was essential, given South Africa’s reality, where an estimated 155,000 people live under modern slavery, according to the Walk Free Foundation. University of Johannesburg research shows that most victims are between the ages of 12 and 25, and young women and girls make up over half of all trafficking cases. With Girls Act participants falling directly within this vulnerable group, the training offered not just information but a lifeline.

To close the session, participants pledged to protect themselves, raise awareness, and advocate for others at risk in their communities.