Soroptimists set to host Athlone awareness event on human trafficking

A public awareness event being hosted in Athlone this week by the Soroptimists will reveal the disturbing reality of sex trafficking and slave labour in Ireland.

‘Hidden in Plain Sight’, a free information and awareness raising meeting to promote a wider conversation on the problem of human trafficking and slavery, will take place on Thursday, October 16, in The Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone at 7.30pm.

Speakers will include Sara Wallace from Ruhama. Ruhama is an Irish NGO and registered charity that offers nationwide support to women impacted by prostitution, sex trafficking and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation.

Sr Denise O’Brien, from Act to Prevent Trafficking will provide information from the regions where people are being trafficked. Act to Prevent Trafficking is, a faith-based Irish organisation which aims to prevent human trafficking by raising awareness and fostering collaboration.

Garda Karen Coughlan from An Garda Siochána, Mullingar, will outline the current legal position on human trafficking in Ireland and the work of the An Garda Síochána

Dr Chris McDermott, a Law Lecturer, TUS Athlone will outline the European Parliament position on human trafficking.

The meeting is part of Soroptimists Ireland’s National Project for 2025-2026 to raise awareness and to campaign against human trafficking, a grave violation of human rights disproportionately affecting women and children.

The organisation aims to achieve this by raising public awareness of human trafficking and its impact on individuals and communities, advocating for stronger measures to combat trafficking at local and national levels and by supporting survivors by working in collaboration with relevant organizations and stakeholders.

The Soroptimists International’s mission statement is to transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities for women and girls.

The Athlone Soroptimists Club has been in existence for over 60 years and meets on the first Monday of every month at 8pm in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel.

Soroptimist Clubs choose projects that work towards ending poverty, eradicating abuse and hunger, providing education for all, achieving gender balance and preserving the environment.

There will be a question and answer session followed by tea and coffee.