stand up for the rights of women everywhere
Approximately 800 000 people get trafficked annually, 80% of whom being women; this equates to over 640 000 women and girls... completely oblivious to the life that lays head. 4.8 million people are coerced into sexual exploitation, with 90% composed of women.
Behind these numbers are individuals stripped of autonomy, safety, and dignity, often trapped in cycles of violence that are difficult to escape. This must end.
The organization Coalition Against Trafficking women works incessantly to ensure no girl has to ever endure such pains. They combat this global crisis by advocating for robust legal protections, supporting survivors, and raising awareness about the systematic inequalities that enable trafficking to persist.
With your help, we can put an end to this catastrophe.
what is our coalition?
The Coalition Against Trafficking Women (CATW) is an international non-profit organization with its headquarters located in New York City.
Established in 1988 at The First Global Conference Against Trafficking Women. Two of the key contributors, including feminist leaders such as Dorchen Leidholdt and Kathleen Barry, have inaugurated the organization.
The CATW's original purpose has always been to end trafficking and sexual exploitation occurring with women and girls, specifically. Through an approach rooted in human rights principles, they advocate for robust regulations and policies, raise public awareness and support survivor leadership.
the evolution of catw:
1988:
The Foundation of
CATW:
The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) was officially founded after the First Global Conference Against Trafficking in Women.
The organization began as a feminist activist coalition focused primarily on:
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Prostitution
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Pornography
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Sex tourism
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Violence against women
Early activism was centred mainly in the United States and predominantly influenced by radical feminist movements.
1988-1990:
During this decade, the CATW primarily concentrated on public awareness via:
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Begins working closely with international bodies, including the United Nations
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Helps frame trafficking as a global human rights violation
International recognition & UN involvement:
Within this decade, the CATW began expanding beyond the United States and developed partnerships on an international level.
Regional branches and coalitions started forming in:
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Asia-Pacific
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Latin America
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Europe
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Africa
The organization perpetually addressed global trafficking routes and international exploitation networks.
1990-
1999:
Global Expansion:
2ooo:
Palermo Protocol:
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CATW contributes to global debates around the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (Palermo Protocol)
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This becomes one of the most important international anti-trafficking laws
2oo1-
2010:
Survivor-centered advocacy expands:
In the 2010s, there was a broader human rights and intersectional focus. CATW expanded its language and advocacy to include:
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Racial inequality
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Poverty
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Migration vulnerability
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Indigenous women's issues
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Systematic gender inequality
The organization became more international and intersectional in its approach.
CATW also became more active online through:
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Social media
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Webinars
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Digital campaigns
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International media outreach
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CATW strengthens programs focused on survivor leadership and empowerment
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Survivors are trained in:
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Public speaking
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Media advocacy
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Policy engagement
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2010-
2026:
Modern world; Modern problems:
Our Programs:
#1
Survivor Leadership Program
#2
#3
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Trains survivors in public speaking, media, and advocacy
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Helps survivors participate in policy discussions and human rights campaigns
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Build confidence and leadership skills so survivors can speak internationally
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Creates survivor-led projects like campaigns, podcasts, and public awareness events
What we do:
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Run campaigns about human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and gender inequality
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Educates schools, communities, and governments
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Uses storytelling, media, and research to expose the realities of trafficking
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Promotes awareness of how trafficking is linked to poverty, inequality, and violence
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Works with governments and the United Nations (ECOSOC involvement)
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Advocates for stronger anti-trafficking laws worldwide
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Influences major global agreements like the Palermo Protocol framework discussions
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Pushes for laws that protect women and girls from exploitation
Public Awareness & Education Campaigns
What we do:
Policy Advocacy & Legal Reform (Including UN Work)
What we do:
“Being a girl should not be a vulnerability to trafficking or sexual exploitation, but a journey of joy and opportunities to reach her full potential. We are so honored to partner with Amplify Her, a foundation that works towards creating these opportunities for every woman and girl of New York City... Together, we look forward to continuing our work ensuring equality, safety, and joy for the women and girls of New York City.”
— Taina Bien-Aimé, Executive Director, The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women
the catholic principles of social justice:
1
human dignity
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CATW believes every woman and girl has inherent worth.
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Works to end trafficking and exploitation that violate human dignity.
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Supports survivors in reclaiming their voice and independence.
2
rights and
responsibilities
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Advocates for the rights of women and girls to safety and freedom.
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Promotes stronger laws and protections for trafficking victims.
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Encourages society to defend vulnerable individuals.
3
the common good
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Works to create safer communities through education and advocacy.
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Addresses social issues that contribute to trafficking.
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Promotes a more just and equitable society.
4
preferential option for the poor and vulnerable
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Focuses on women and girls most vulnerable to exploitation.
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Supports those affected by poverty, abuse, and discrimination.
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Advocates for resources and protections for at-risk individuals.
Our Impact:
How we're changing the industry:
CATW has influenced global discussions on human trafficking through advocacy, policy work, and public education.
Key leaders such as Dorchen Leidholdt, Norma Ramos, Esohe Aghatise, and Teresa Ulloa Ziaurriz have represented the organization at international conferences and UN-related forums, promoting stronger legal protections and a human-rights approach to trafficking.
CATW also includes survivor voices in its events and panels, helping shape policy and raise awareness through lived experience.
Overall, CATW’s impact comes from combining expert advocacy and survivor testimony to influence global anti-trafficking efforts.
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121 people receiving legal assistance in one documented program year
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25 people receiving basic needs support (food/clothing)
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15 people provided housing
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10 receiving psychological support
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69 family reunifications completed
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2 enrolled in college and others entering vocational training
Amplify Her Foundation,
Event & Advocacy Photos
thank you for your support!
The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) has remained committed to its original mission of combating human trafficking and violence against women since its founding. Through advocacy, education, research, and support for survivors, CATW continues to raise awareness and promote meaningful change around the world.
want to learn more?
Works cited:
1. Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) – About
https://catwinternational.org/about/
This official page from the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women outlines the organization’s mission, history, and core beliefs. It explains CATW’s abolitionist stance on prostitution and its focus on ending sexual exploitation and trafficking through legal reform, education, and advocacy.
2. Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) – Homepage
https://catwinternational.org/
The main website provides an overview of CATW’s global work, including campaigns, advocacy efforts, and partnerships. It highlights the organization’s focus on ending human trafficking and sexual exploitation through international policy influence and grassroots activism.
3. CATW – Annual Report (2014)
https://catwinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/CATW_2014_Annual_Report.pdf
This annual report details CATW’s global programs, advocacy initiatives, and educational outreach. It provides evidence of the organization’s work in policy advocacy, survivor support frameworks, and collaboration with international bodies.
4. University of Toronto Faculty of Law – CATW Profile
https://jackmanlaw.utoronto.ca/corporate-author/coalition-against-trafficking-women
This academic institutional source summarizes CATW’s role as a major anti-trafficking NGO and its influence on international legal discussions surrounding prostitution and human trafficking.
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mailing address
📍PO Box 7160, JAF Station
New York, NY 10116, USA
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Saturday–Sunday: Closed for administrative services
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