Book 2 - Ebu

Guidelines on gender-ethical reporting
Analysis
First, it is necessary to clarify the use of terms, such as “white slavery” to refer to
trafficking. This term was used at the end of the 19th century when European women,
exclusively white women, were taken to different parts of Eastern Europe, Asia and
Africa with the aim of sexual exploitation. The concept was replaced in 1921 with
the “traffic of women and children” to ensure that trafficking in all countries, of races
other than “white”, and of male children was recognized. 2 It is therefore incorrect to
use “white slavery” in today’s context where trafficking has no boundaries: women,
boys and girls of all ethnic groups and classes fall prey to trafficking. Inappropriate
use of the term here betrays a lack of knowledge on the subject.
In addition, the author repeats three times the person’s claim to have treated the
women “very humanely”. The choice repeatedly to underscore this claim in effect
seems to sanitize, neutralize or white-wash a serious crime.
Referring to adult women as “girls” throughout the article is not only patronizing
but it also re-victimizes them by emphasizing their positions as persons in situations
of prostitution. This is a criminal trial and the testimony clearly demonstrates
oppression has occurred. Use of the term “girls” minimizes the gravity of sex
trafficking and works to sow doubt on whether a crime has in fact been committed.
The text paints the women’s involvement in prostitution as a choice, yet, when the
women are transported across borders, their documents withheld, and they incur
debt to pay for airfare and other expenses, they are no longer acting of their own free
will.
2. “International Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Women and Children, League
of Nations”, Treaty Series, Vol. IX, 1921, 415.
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