Lately, I have been wondering—how can human trafficking ever truly stop? After watching several movies that depict the horrors of trafficking, I can’t shake the thought of how deeply entrenched this crime is in societies worldwide.
It is heartbreaking to realize that while these films tell stories meant to educate and shock us, for millions of people, trafficking is a horrifying daily reality. This has been happening for decades, and yet, despite laws, awareness campaigns, and rescue missions, it still thrives.
One movie that particularly struck me was I Am All Girls. It’s not just another thriller—it’s a powerful, gut-wrenching film that exposes the dark world of child trafficking and the high-profile figures behind it.
Watching it made me even more determined to understand the extent of this issue and how we can fight against it.
The 2021 South African thriller I Am All Girls is more than just a gripping crime drama—it is a haunting portrayal of the dark and painful reality of human trafficking.
Directed by Donovan Marsh, the film follows an unwavering detective, Jodie Snyman (played by Erica Wessels), who is on a relentless mission to dismantle a powerful child trafficking syndicate.
Along the way, she encounters a vigilante who takes justice into their own hands, targeting those responsible for these horrific crimes.
With its suspenseful narrative, emotional depth, and compelling performances, I Am All Girls brings awareness to an issue that affects millions of people worldwide. But beyond the screen, the film highlights a very real and ongoing crisis: human trafficking.
Understanding Human Trafficking: A Global Crisis
Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that affects men, women, and children across the globe.
It involves the exploitation of people through force, fraud, or coercion for purposes such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, and even organ trafficking.
Key Facts About Human Trafficking:
• It is a global issue: While many associate trafficking with developing nations, it happens in nearly every country, including Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
• Children are among the most vulnerable: According to UNICEF, children make up a significant percentage of trafficking victims, often forced into labor, sexual exploitation, or armed conflicts.
• It is fueled by demand and corruption: Trafficking thrives due to high demand for cheap labor, forced prostitution, and corrupt systems that allow traffickers to operate with little consequence.
• It is often hidden in plain sight: Many victims are trafficked within their own countries or communities, and some may even appear to live “normal” lives while being controlled by traffickers.
Where Does Human Trafficking Occur?
Human trafficking is not confined to one region—it happens everywhere. Some of the most affected regions include:
• Asia-Pacific: This region has the highest number of trafficking victims due to poverty, labor exploitation, and weak enforcement. Many people are trafficked for factory work, domestic servitude, and sex trafficking.
• Africa: Child labor, forced begging, and trafficking for sexual exploitation are prevalent in many African countries. Conflict zones also increase vulnerability.
• Europe & North America: While trafficking may seem less visible, it exists in forms such as forced prostitution, labor exploitation, and domestic servitude. Many victims are brought from other countries under false promises of work.
• Middle East: Many migrant workers face forced labor, confiscated passports, and abuse under exploitative labor systems.
No country is immune. Even in developed nations, trafficking victims are often hidden in industries like construction, agriculture, and the sex trade.
Movies on Netflix That Highlight Human Trafficking
If I Am All Girls left an impact, here are more Netflix films and documentaries that shed light on human trafficking:
1. The Sound of Freedom (2023) – A powerful film based on a true story about child trafficking rescue missions.
2. The Taken Trilogy – While fictional, these action-packed movies show the brutal realities of trafficking and forced prostitution.
3. The Whistleblower (2010) – A true story of a UN peacekeeper who exposed human trafficking within international organizations.
4. Tricked (2013) – A shocking documentary that exposes the sex trafficking industry in the U.S.
5. Trade (2007) – A heartbreaking film following a young girl trafficked across borders.
6. Nefarious: Merchant of Souls (2011) – A documentary revealing the worldwide trafficking crisis.
These films, while difficult to watch, help spread awareness and inspire action.
While the problem is massive, there are ways individuals and organizations can take action:
- Raise Awareness
Movies like I Am All Girls help shine a light on the issue. Sharing information and educating others is a crucial first step.
- Support Anti-Trafficking Organizations
Many NGOs and advocacy groups work tirelessly to rescue victims and fight trafficking networks. Consider donating or volunteering with organizations such as:
• Polaris Project – A leading organization in the U.S. fighting human trafficking.
• International Justice Mission – Works globally to rescue victims and bring traffickers to justice.
• UNICEF End Trafficking – Focuses on protecting children from exploitation.
• Not For Sale – A nonprofit that combats trafficking through business solutions and survivor rehabilitation.
- Report Suspicious Activity
If You Are in Africa, Here’s Where to Report:
Africa-Wide Platforms:
• Interpol Africa (Website)
• International Organization for Migration (IOM Africa) (Website)
• UNODC Africa (Website)
Country-Specific Hotlines:
• Nigeria: NAPTIP – 0703 0000 203 (Website)
• Ghana: Human Trafficking Secretariat – +233 302 772 836
• Ivory Coast: Ministère de la Famille et de l’Enfant – +225 2020 0125
• Kenya: Counter-Trafficking in Persons Secretariat – +254 202 240 000
• Uganda: Uganda Human Trafficking Hotline – 0800 199 049
• Tanzania: Ministry of Home Affairs – +255 222 110 444
• South Africa: National Human Trafficking Hotline – 0800 222 777 (Website)
• Egypt: NCCM – 16000
• Morocco: AMANE Child Protection – +212 522 877 555
If no hotline is available in your country, report to:
✔ Local Police (Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, if available)
✔ Social Welfare Offices
✔ International Organizations like IOM, UNODC, or UNICEF
Other International Hotlines:
• Canada: 1-833-900-1010 (Website)
• U.S.: 1-888-373-7888 (Website)
• UK: 08000 121 700 (Website)
- Advocate for Stronger Laws
Holding governments accountable and pushing for stricter penalties against traffickers can help dismantle these networks.
- Be an Ethical Consumer
Many trafficked individuals are forced into labor to produce goods. Supporting fair-trade and ethical brands can reduce demand for exploitative labor.
📢 Take Action Today!
✔ Share this post to spread awareness
✔ Support anti-trafficking organizations
✔ Stay informed and report suspicious activities
