Gender
Applying gender-sensitive approaches
Boys, girls, men and women are vulnerable to trafficking in human beings for different reasons and are affected in different ways. Prevention, protection, and prosecution efforts, therefore, must apply a gender-sensitive lens in order to effectively tackle trafficking and respond to the specific needs of all victims.
In recent years, anti-trafficking actors have paid considerable attention to the gender dimension of trafficking in human beings at the national, regional and international level, which has translated into programmes, policies, and laws. In this respect, a number of OSCE documents urge the participating States to promote a comprehensive approach to combating all forms of trafficking in human beings, including a gender-sensitive approach (MC.DEC/14/06); recognize violence against women and discrimination based on sex among the root causes of trafficking (PC.DEC/557, MC.DEC/10/11); and take into account the particular needs of women, men, girls and boys (MC.DEC/6/17, MC.DEC/7/17).
However, not least due to the ever-changing patterns and trends of trafficking in human beings, many gender aspects of this crime remain hidden and unaddressed in the existing strategies for prevention, protection and prosecution. Moreover, the research carried out by OSR/CTHB established that the application of gender-sensitive approaches in response to the crime is incomplete and fragmented. A more comprehensive understanding of the gender aspects of trafficking in human beings can help policy makers and practitioners detect at-risk populations, address intersecting vulnerabilities, and identify the differential protection needs of victims, as well as develop tailored assistance mechanisms, and implement a more effective criminal justice response. The analysis and recommendations presented in the Occasional Paper Applying gender-sensitive approaches in combating trafficking in human beings offer insights into gaps in the current application of gender-sensitive approaches in combating trafficking in human beings. It also suggests possible ways to better address gender-specific vulnerabilities and needs of victims of trafficking, including those who are oftentimes overlooked.
In addition to disseminating knowledge and guidance in support of the application of gender-sensitive approaches by OSCE participating States, the OSR/CTHB pays particular attention to mainstreaming gender aspects across its own programmatic activities. It does so by including gender considerations in developing thematic research projects, policy guidelines and trainings as well as in providing relevant gender-specific recommendations to participating States following the Special Representative’s country visits.
The OSR/CTHB is also committed to the effective and meaningful implementation of the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality (GAP) with the aim to ensure that gender mainstreaming efforts are reflected not only in the Office’s programmatic strategies and project activities, but also translate into gender-balanced recruitment and an empowering working environment that is free from all forms of harassment and discrimination.
The OSR/CTHB recognizes the importance to engage men in promoting gender equality across all spheres of life by strengthening multilateral efforts in addressing and countering gender-based inequalities. To this end, the Special Representative actively participates in and contributes to the OSCE Men for Gender Equality in the OSCE Secretariat.