MEMBERS of the Barry branch of Soroptimist International, Wales South Region, commissioned the hiring of the UN Giant GIFT Box which was sited in Swansea to mark International Women’s Day and raise awareness of Human Trafficking/Modern Day Slavery as part of a Regional Project for 2012-2014.

It followed on from a successful symposium on Anti-human Trafficking held at the Aberavon Beach Hotel on February 7.

The GIFT Box is an interactive art structure, which on the outside looks like an attractive present but inside contains personal stories of human trafficking and information. Passers-by could walk into The GIFT box, representing the idea that victims are lured in with promises but once inside, presented with a different reality. It enables the general public to learn about the crime of human trafficking, to spot the signs, to report suspicious activity and to take action to prevent trafficking.

Soroptimist International, Wales South Region worked in partnership with the Western Bay Anti-Human Trafficking Forum to deliver this project. Soroptmists have representatives on all the local AHT fora and worked closely with South Wales Police, BAWSO and their respective Anti Human Trafficking fora.

A total of 532 people ventured into the box and many more picked up literature. It was attended by many people including the regional president of SI Wales South and Sue Walker, the deputy CEO of BAWSO.

Modern Day Slavery/Human Trafficking is a both a crime and a violation of human rights. The public need to be vigilant about what goes on in their area. Any suspicions should be reported via the 101 Police contact number.

For more information please visit http://sigbi.org/wales-south.