Trafficking of Women and Girls: A Global Challenge in Our Own Backyard

Human trafficking is a crime that proves difficult to prosecute. However, most citizens are unaware of the magnitude of human rights abuses occurring in their own communities. The United Nations estimates that up to 4 million women and children are trafficked around the world for different forms of exploitation each year. Nearly every country is involved in the web of trafficking activities, either as a country of origin, destination, or transit, including the United States.

What are the conditions that give rise to human trafficking? What can be done in the international community to combat human trafficking, particularly concerning women and girls? What strategies exist to deal with this problem locally? Join us for a moderated panel discussion and reception on this pressing topic.

This event is free of charge thanks to the generosity of The Eden Hall Foundation.

• Dr. Mary Burke is a faculty member in the Psychology Department at Carlow University where she is the Director of Training for the Doctoral Program in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Burke's commitment to social justice and equity is manifest in her research, teaching, and activism. Currently she represents the Association for Women in Psychology on the United Nations Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations Committee on Mental Health. Dr. Burke collaboratively founded and directs the Project to End Human Trafficking. This U.S.-based non-profit group works regionally, nationally, and internationally to raise awareness about the enslavement and economic exploitation of human beings.

• Supervisory Special Agent Brad Orsini entered on duty as a Special Agent in September, 1988. Following completion of training in Quantico, Virginia, SA Orsini was transferred to the Newark Division of the FBI. He spent over 16 years working violent crimes, gangs, drug organizations, public corruption and civil rights investigations. In September, 2007, SA Orsini was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent (SSA). He currently supervises the Public  Corruption and Civil Rights Squad for the Pittsburgh Division. He also oversees  the  Community Outreach Programs and is the Crisis Management Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Division.

• Dr. Muge Kokten Finkel is an assistant professor of International Development at University of Pittsburgh. She has worked as a Social Development Specialist at the World Bank for the Middle East and North Africa Region. Her areas of expertise are Community-Driven Development, especially related to youth and women’s issues; Social and Environmental Impact Assessment; Country Social Analysis; Participatory Program Development; and Gender and Development. Dr. Finkel completed her PhD in Political Science at the University of Virginia, specializing in Comparative Social Policy and Japanese Politics.

Panel moderated by Deborah Acklin, President and CEO, WQED Multimedia