WOMEN TRAFFICKING IN INDIA: AN IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION OF CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES, AND COUNTERMEASURES

Abstract

Despite being the largest democratic republic in the world, India suffers from extreme poverty and a lack of quality education, which leads to a wide range of human rights abuses, particularly against women and girls. This study provides a brief overview of the issue of women trafficking in India. Even though both men and women are victims of human trafficking, mostly women fall prey to it. This paper attempts to analyse the core reasons behind trafficking in women and suggests certain combat strategies that can prevent this heinous crime, with special reference to India. Women are especially susceptible to trafficking because of the widespread gender inequality, the demand for women's sexual services, forced marriage, domestic abuse, etc. In conclusion, the government should take a gender sensitive approach to the issue, anti-trafficking laws and regulations should be gender sensitive, taking into account the specific needs of women. To garner public attention to the issue and educate individuals, especially the women about their rights and potential legal remedies, various public awareness campaigns should be initiated.