Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
15 October 2024 | 13:09 CAT

The Walk for Freedom, a global initiative to combat human trafficking, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Each step taken amplifies the fight for freedom, marking millions of strides toward ending human trafficking. (Image/A21)

On October 19th, Cape Town will join cities worldwide in hosting the 10th annual Walk for Freedom, a landmark event organized by A21, a global anti-human trafficking nonprofit.

As the world’s largest anti-human trafficking walk, this initiative spans hundreds of cities across dozens of countries, raising awareness and mobilising communities in the fight against modern-day slavery.

With over 49.6 million people trapped in human trafficking worldwide, this urgent crisis affects men, women, and children across every continent, often hidden in plain sight.

“This is not just a reality in faraway places. Human trafficking is taking place in our very own cities and communities,” Chene Fourie, the reach coordinator at A21, told Radio Islam International.

Fourie emphasised that through Walk for Freedom, people can join a global movement to increase awareness and be part of the solution.

“We have received many success stories where a walk led to a report which ultimately resulted in a life recovered and restored so there really is so much power in raising awareness and taking action,” Fourie shared.

For a decade, the Walk for Freedom has rallied communities to fight human trafficking.

This year, the impactful movement has organised 300 walks across 42 countries; in Africa, 22 walks across six countries and globally, it has already received over 7000 participant registrations, with many more expected for the upcoming walk in Cape Town.

“We believe that every step we take locally leaves footprints globally. Every dollar fundraised, every poster seen, every person made aware of the issue of human trafficking, add up to one Global impact – a world where everyone is free,” says A21, underscoring the significant role each participant plays in this global movement.

This year’s Walk for Freedom in Cape Town will begin at Maker’s Landing at the V&A Waterfront on October 19th, 2024, from 9.30 to 10 a.m.

Participants will walk in a single-file line, carrying posters and distributing flyers with information to help others spot the signs of human trafficking.

Visit A21.org/cape-town to participate in the Cape Town Walk for Freedom or the online Walk for Freedom Challenge.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany here.