Yesterday morning, Princess Eugenie launched the ‘Anti-Slavery Collective’, while attending the Change Makers Summit in London. The new initiative is aimed at abolishing modern slavery.
Upon arrival, the Princess was greeted by a line-up of entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and innovators. At the event, The Duke of York’s youngest daughter stated her intention to bring more global awareness to the issue of modern slavery. In a speech, she remarked: “We will be starting an Anti-Slavery Collective which is all about raising awareness of global slavery. Creating a platform where everyone works together, shares data and incredible stories.”
The problem of modern slavery is worldwide, and according to the Global Slavery Index, approximately 46 million people were affected by the issue, as of 2016. Furthermore, over 15 million women around the world are in enforced marriage, and over 5 million in enforced sexual slavery. By 2030, the UN Sustainable Development Goals aim to eradicate forced labour completely.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Matt Hancock and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liz Truss also spoke at the event.
Over 15m women globally are in enforced marriage, and over 5m in enforced sexual slavery. This is a worldwide epidemic.
HRH Princess Eugenie and Julia de Boinville talking about their project to abolish modern slavery – Anti-Slavery Collective. #changemakers2018 pic.twitter.com/m3Zm8J3C65
— Julia Elliott Brown (@JuliaElliottB) April 24, 2018
Eugenie, 28, has been a long time advocate of tackling human trafficking. It first grabbed her attention, when visiting a charity named Women’s Interlink during a 2013 trip to India with her mother, Sarah, Duchess of York. The organisation aims to improve the lives of vulnerable women and children by providing assistance and employment opportunities.
“We will be starting an Anti-Slavery Collective which is all about raising awareness of global slavery. Creating a platform where everyone works together, shares data and incredible stories.” – HRH Princess Eugenie of York on Fighting Modern Slavery. #changemakers2018 pic.twitter.com/ZKpIQ7Nekn
— I AM THE CODE* (@i_amthecode) April 24, 2018
Following the trip, the Princess became involved with multiple organisations, such as the Salvation Army. In a 2016 interview, Eugenie said that it is important to raise awareness of human trafficking, because it “is never really talked about.”
“Everyone who works within modern slavery and who tries to fight for the people who don’t have a voice are courageous,” she noted.
The new Anti-Slavery Collective is part of an ongoing effort by the Princess to address the concerns of violence against women. She is also busy preparing for her wedding to Mr Jack Brooksbank which will take place on the 12th October this year.
