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World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation – March 4, 2024

World Day of Fight Against Sexual Exploitation is celebrated every year on March 4. The day’s primary goal is to unite the world to take a stand against all forms of sexual exploitation. Did you know that about one in 10 children is sexually abused before their eighteenth birthday? Yes, sexual exploitation ruins the life of many people, including men, women, and children across the world, and this is why it is crucial to spread awareness and fight against this vice. Every effort counts and the first step is to lift the lid on silence which creates the atmosphere that allows sexual exploitation to thrive.

History of World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation

Sex trafficking and human trafficking is a filthy and treacherous multi-billion-dollar business that has been going on in this world for many years. According to UNICEF, more than three million children worldwide are affected by prostitution, and nearly a million people are sexually exploited every year. This not only includes young girls and women but also young boys and men. Millions of people travel abroad for sex tourism — to have sex with young children. This has increased child prostitution all across the world.

It is estimated that every second of the day, an average of eight people are trapped by international criminal networks for sexual exploitation, trafficking, and enslavement. And this is what World Day of Fight Against Sexual Exploitation aims to eliminate. Sexual exploitation is one of the worst treatments any human can receive, as it robs one of one’s basic human rights — the right to freedom, dignity, and even the right to control their own body.

This problem is ubiquitous, but prevalent in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Caribbean countries. The people who are trafficked from these countries are taken to developed countries for prostitution. The saddest part about this is that most sexually abused children keep the abuse a secret mainly because they have no one to turn to for help. And even when they do tell, they are often times not believed and they end up at greater risk of emotional, psychological, social, and physical problems. So they opt to remain silent — which further perpetuates the problem.

World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation timeline

2009
The Move to Fight Sexual Exploitation

The first World Day of Fight Against Sexual Exploitation is observed as a global movement.

2013
The U.N. Passes a Resolution

The U.N. General Assembly designates July 30 as World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

2015
The Sustainable Development Agenda

The world adopts the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and embraces goals set to put an end to human trafficking.

2020
The Governments Tighten Their Grip

Governments across the world tighten their grip against sexual exploitation.

World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation FAQs

How do you fight sexual violence?

There are many ways in which you can fight sexual violence. You can start by respecting a person’s right to say no to sexual activity.

What are the three stages of sexual exploitation?

The three stages of sexual exploitation are recruitment, control, and exploitation.

How does one identify sexual exploitation?

Unhealthy sexual behavior, sharp changes in mood, physical signs of abuse, and being secretive are some of the signs of sexual exploitation.

How to Observe World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation

  1. Report any illegal activities

    Be a responsible citizen and refuse to be complicit by keeping quiet. Report any illegal activities you witness in your locality.

  2. Spread awareness

    Use your social media handles and other platforms to spread awareness. Be sure to give accurate facts in order to stop the evil of sexual exploitation and trafficking.

  3. Share your story

    If you or someone you know was a victim of sexual exploitation in the past, you can share your experiences. Be sure to advise people about how to stay safe.

5 Heartbreaking Facts About Sexual Exploitation

  1. It ruins many lives

    About 80% of sexual abuse survivors report excessive drug and alcohol abuse.

  2. It can lead to eating disorders

    Young girls who are sexually abused are more likely to develop eating disorders.

  3. The devil within

    About 40% of victims are abused by a family member they know.

  4. Silence only perpetuates the vice

    Unfortunately, many child victims never disclose their abuse and they continue to suffer.

  5. The internet has made it easier

    One in five children is solicited sexually on the internet.

Why World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation is Important

  1. It is a much-needed day

    This international criminal industry can only be curbed with the combined effort of all the people across the world. So, this is a much-needed day.

  2. We need to help

    Although most recovering victims are perfectly capable of surviving on their own, they are subjected to a lot of cruelty and emotional trauma. We can be their voice and help them!

  3. We can be a part of the solution

    There are ways that we can take a stance and be part of the solution. This includes participating in the special events held on World Day of Fight Against Sexual Exploitation and donating to N.G.O.s that support the cause.

World Day of Fight against Sexual Exploitation dates

YearDateDay
2024March 4Monday
2025March 4Tuesday
2026March 4Wednesday
2027March 4Thursday
2028March 4Saturday

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