Athlone Soroptimists bring anti-human trafficking message to European Parliament

Athlone Soroptimists Sile O'Flaherty and Anne McGlynn were among those helping to bring Ireland's anti-human trafficking message to the European Parliament, as part of a national awareness campaign that has reached more than 400,000 people across the country.

The Athlone members joined fellow Soroptimists from across Ireland, Belgium and Germany at a special event in Brussels ahead of EU Anti-Trafficking Day on October 18.

Their participation highlighted Athlone's contribution to a growing international movement working to combat human trafficking, support victims and promote human rights.

The event, "Hidden in Plain Sight: Human Trafficking in Ireland and Europe - Seeing the Signs, Protecting Victims, Driving Change", was hosted at the European Parliament following an invitation from Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, MEP.

Among the keynote speakers was Billy Kelleher, MEP, alongside Diane Schmitt, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, and representatives from Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland, MECPATHS, PAG-ASA Belgium and La Strada International.

For Sile O'Flaherty and Anne McGlynn, the visit was an opportunity to represent Athlone and support the Soroptimists' "Hidden in Plain Sight" campaign, which has raised awareness of the warning signs of human trafficking and exploitation in communities throughout Ireland.

The campaign has already reached more than 400,000 people and focuses on helping the public recognise signs of exploitation, protecting victims and challenging the demand that fuels human trafficking.

Soroptimists from Belgium and Germany joined their Irish colleagues at the event, demonstrating the importance of international cooperation in tackling exploitation and supporting survivors.

Athlone Soroptimists said its involvement with the event in Brussels also reflects its commitment to the United Nations "Orange the World" campaign, a global initiative aimed at ending violence against women and girls. Human trafficking remains one of the most serious forms of violence and exploitation affecting women and girls worldwide.

Human trafficking can involve sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude and forced criminal activity. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities and can often remain hidden within ordinary communities.

In Ireland, women and girls continue to be disproportionately affected by trafficking for sexual exploitation, reinforcing the need for continued education, prevention and victim support.

Speaking at the event, Siobhán Matthews, President of Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland, said: "Human trafficking is happening here in Ireland and across Europe, often hidden in plain sight.

"Our campaign has reached over 400,000 people, and bringing our message to the European Parliament is an important step in strengthening awareness and collaboration.

"We were proud to stand alongside Soroptimists from Belgium and Germany, united in our commitment to tackling exploitation.

"Together, we can raise awareness, protect vulnerable people and drive change."

Athlone Soroptimists, including Sile O'Flaherty and Anne McGlynn, continue to support local, national and international initiatives that promote equality, protect vulnerable people and uphold human rights.

Their participation in the European Parliament event demonstrates how local volunteers are helping to influence awareness and action on an issue that affects communities across Ireland and Europe.

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement working together to transform the lives of women and girls with over 62,000 members in 106 countries.