“It is a fundamental human right to be free of sexual exploitation in all its forms. Women and girls have the right to sexual integrity and autonomy.”

The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) is a non-governmental organization that works to combat sexual exploitation in all its forms, promoting the human rights of women. It operates as an umbrella organisation in collaboration with other NGOs and individuals around the world, with the positive effects of its work spreading as far as Mali, Lithuania and Mexico.

Taking action for women

CATW was founded in 1988 and was the first international NGO to focus on human trafficking, in particular sex trafficking of women and girls. Since then, CATW has made massive progress, expanding its coalition all over the world.

CATW influences legislation on trafficking and prostitution through lobbying, and produces reports, books and other publications to draw international attention to the issue. Through education and training on the harm of sexual exploitation, CATW aims to raise awareness of the issue at a community level. This includes training local NGOs in documentation, research, counselling and other skills.

CATW gives presentations and carries out human rights advocacy around the world. Through its online documentation available in numerous languages, CATW aims to spread the message that sexual exploitation and trafficking in women are unacceptable.

Current campaigns

The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women runs campaigns all over the world, often in collaboration with local organisations. Current campaigns include:

• measures to combat trafficking in human beings—addressing gaps in current anti-trafficking programs and policies in 13 countries.
• The Prevention Project—aimed at preventing sex trafficking and sexual exploitation by developing best practices in Italy, Mali, Mexico and Georgia.
• prostitution law reform—challenging acceptance of the sex industry, normalization of prostitution as work, and de-romanticisation of legalisation initiatives in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Mali.
• project to curb male demand for prostitution—combating sex trafficking and prostitution by discouraging demand in the Baltic countries, Mexico, India and the Philippines.

Get involved with CATW

We are fortunate if we have not experienced sexual exploitation in our lives, but for many women around the world this is a daily reality. Why not find out what the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women is doing to help women in your country, or at your next travel destination?

The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women is dependent on donations and grants to carry out its works. You can donate through the website at http://www.catwinternational.org/donate.php