Human rights are universal, but unfortunately in the international community, women are not always protected. There are a number of women’s issues of particular concern around the world that must be addressed. These are a few of the most pressing women’s issues in the human rights community.

Human Trafficking

One of the most sickening crimes against women is the trafficking of human beings, especially adult females and young girls. Human trafficking is the transportation and sale of human beings, usually for sexual exploitation or forced labor. A recent report released by the United States Department of State showed that as many as 27 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking. Some of the countries with the worst records of the human trafficking of women include the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria. Even in the United States, it is estimated that between 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked to the country annually, especially women and children.

HIV/AIDS

Women worldwide are also suffering greatly from the spread of HIV. In many countries, women’s disproportionate position in society has rendered them less power and increased their risk to acquiring HIV and AIDS. For example, in Botswana and Swaziland women are at a much greater risk for these diseases, and they have much less freedom overall in these societies. In the Dominican Republic, issues have emerged with women who have been subjected to involuntary HIV testing, and then being fired and denied health care. In many countries, women under 18 are forced to marry and exposed to the disease without their knowledge. 

Domestic Violence

Women also suffer worldwide as victims of domestic violence. Millions of women across the world suffer in this way, across all borders, backgrounds, and among people of all incomes. In the United States alone, over 20% of women who visit emergency rooms do so as a consequence of domestic violence. Statistics are even grimmer in other countries; in Peru 70% of all crimes reported come from husbands beating their wives.

While this information and these statistics can be sickening, bringing these issues to light can be an effective means to arouse positive change around the world. The international community can come together and say no to human trafficking, domestic violence, and the spread of infectious diseases to women. While solutions to these issues are not easy, it is important to take a stand wherever you can. If you suspect that someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact your local authorities immediately.