I came across an article about Rama, a Syrian woman, who was lured to Lebanon under the pretense of a job opportunity. Upon arrival, she was confined in a derelict house in Jounieh, a city known for its red-light district. There, she and other women were subjected to inhumane conditions, including forced labor and sexual exploitation. The windows were painted black, and they were not allowed to leave the premises. Rama described the experience as being akin to slavery, stating, "We slept where we worked and we couldn’t go out, not even to see the light outside." Her testimony aligns with details obtained independently by The Guardian from security and judicial sources involved in the investigation of the network. The operation enslaved 75 Syrian women over four years before being dismantled by authorities.

Rama's story underscores the vulnerability of displaced women and girls to trafficking and exploitation. UNODC data in recognition of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July 2025) recorded :

• 69,627 victims of human trafficking were detected globally in 2022 — a 25% increase from 2019 levels (pre-pandemic).

• Women and children remain disproportionately affected:

- Women: 39%

- Girls: 22%

- Boys: 16%

- Children overall: 38% of total cases

Exploitation trends are shifting. Forced labor now accounts for the largest share (42%), overtaking sexual exploitation (36%). Victims are increasingly being trafficked into online fraud, cyber scams, and financial crime. Organized crime: Traffickers are adapting quickly, exploiting migration routes, border vulnerabilities, and digital platforms.

Relevance to World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2025 (July 30)

The 2025 theme, “Leave No One Behind,” calls for stronger inclusion and protection for the most vulnerable: children, migrants, people with disabilities, Indigenous communities, and conflict-affected populations.

Here are some actionable steps to minimise human trafficking :

• Raise Awareness and Education
• Conduct workshops and campaigns to educate communities about trafficking risks and signs.
• Use social media to spread information on how trafficking operates and how to report it.
• Empower Vulnerable Communities
• Promote economic opportunities and education to reduce vulnerability.
• Ensure accessible shelters, counseling, legal aid, and reintegration programs for survivors.
• Promote Community Vigilance
• Encourage communities to report suspicious activities safely and anonymously.
• Support local watchdog groups and victim hotlines.

Human trafficking is a complex, evolving crime that thrives in the shadows—but together, we have the power to shine a light. Every effort counts, whether it’s educating a neighbor, advocating for stronger laws, or supporting survivors on their path to healing.

Stand informed, stay vigilant, and speak out. Let’s be the change. Let’s end human trafficking—today and every day.

Joanne Yeoh

SISEAP President, 2024-2026

president.joanne@siseap.org

Join Us – Make Your Voice Count at the Upcoming SISEAP Meetings

Dear Members,

I warmly invite you to participate in our upcoming Company Annual General Meeting and Company Meeting (10 May 2025), and Federation Meeting (18 May 2025). These are not just important governance events—they are valuable opportunities to celebrate our achievements, connect across the region, and contribute to the future of Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific (SISEAP).

Together, we’ve made great strides in Membership (unfortunately, our 2025 membership numbers could be better) and Programme success—now it’s time to come together, reflect, and shape what comes next.

At the Federation Meeting, we will:

• Celebrate the successes of our clubs across the Federation;
• Present the Best Practice Awards for outstanding achievements in Membership and Programme work;
• Share current developments and key updates from our countries across the Region

As we prepare, I kindly remind all clubs to:

> Register your official delegate for voting and representation;

>  Complete the Question Form to ensure your concerns and ideas are heard;

Member (clubs) would have received the audited accounts and papers as per the agenda attached and are invited to submit questions to the Directors and/or the Auditors.

>   Submit the Silent Observers Form for members wishing to attend without voting rights;

And most importantly, make your vote matter—your input is vital in guiding our direction.

These meetings are your platform to:

• Celebrate our progress as a collective;
• Find out what’s happening across SISEAP and take ideas back to your clubs;
• Contribute fresh ideas to strengthen our strategy and impact;
• Support the leadership team as we work together to grow membership and amplify our reach.

Your voice, your ideas, and your presence can shape the future of SISEAP. Let’s stand united, inspired, and committed to moving forward—together.

Joanne Yeoh

SISEAP President, 2024-2026

president.joanne@siseap.org

My First Experience at CSW69: A Journey of Advocacy, Reflection, and Action

Attending the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United Nations was a truly transformative experience. As a first-time participant, I was immersed in a global dialogue that not only celebrated progress but also critically examined the persistent gaps in gender equality and women's rights. The energy, passion, and commitment of advocates, policymakers, and civil society leaders were palpable, reinforcing the urgent need to accelerate action towards gender justice.

A Platform for Global Advocacy

CSW69 provided a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders and changemakers from around the world. The plenary sessions, panel discussions, and side events highlighted key issues such as economic empowerment, gender-based violence, climate justice, and digital inclusion. Witnessing the collective effort to shape policies and initiatives reaffirmed the importance of global solidarity in advancing women's rights.

Reflecting on Beijing +30: Progress and Challenges

This year’s CSW session held special significance as it marked 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995. The Beijing +30 review served as a critical moment to assess achievements and identify areas where progress has stalled.

Over the past three decades, the Beijing Platform for Action has been a guiding framework for gender equality. It has led to significant strides in education, legal rights, and political participation for women. However, challenges remain—gender-based violence persists at alarming rates, the gender pay gap continues to disadvantage women, and the impact of crises such as climate change and conflicts disproportionately affect women and girls.

As I return from CSW69, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose. The voices of women from diverse backgrounds, sharing their struggles and successes, serve as a powerful reminder that change is possible when we stand together. The journey continues, and the fight for gender equality must remain a priority—not just for women, but for society as a whole.

Let me repeat the advice from UN Secretary General António Guterres, “ Power is never given, it needs to be taken. When policies are formulated, women organisations should mobilise themselves to create that political power and use the tools of technology as much as possible. They will hear you if you shout loud enough”. Let us mobilise ourselves and shout loud enough to turn words into action and ensuring that the promises of Beijing +30 become a lived reality for all women and girls.

Joanne Yeoh

SISEAP President, 2024-2026

president.joanne@siseap.org