by Sofia Silei
The trafficking and sexual exploitation of Nigerian women is a deeply rooted issue, perpetuated by organized crime networks that operate both within Nigeria and across Europe. These networks, predominantly composed of Nigerian nationals, facilitate the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of women, primarily from the Edo State, under the guise of promising a better life abroad.
Once these women reach Europe, they are often forced into prostitution under the control of “mamans”, who act as intermediaries for the criminal organizations. These “mamans” maintain control over the women through psychological manipulation, including the use of “juju” rituals, which exploit deep-seated cultural and spiritual beliefs to bind the victims to their traffickers.
The debt imposed on these women, which used to range from €50,000 to €80,000, has decreased to between €20,000 and €40,000 due to more cost-effective trafficking routes. Despite the reduction in debt, the exploitation remains severe, with the women subjected to harsh conditions, including the obligation to pay for their accommodation, food, and other living expenses, further prolonging their period of exploitation.
The Italian “Iroko Onlus Association”, founded by Esohe Aghatise in 1998, aims to combat this cycle of exploitation and provide a way out for these women. The association was established to address the challenges that these women face in finding legitimate employment and reintegrating into society, offering a safe space where their cultural differences are respected and utilized to support their needs.
Iroko started by providing direct support to those in need, including assistance with job and housing searches and navigating the healthcare system. As the organization grew, it became more involved in the international fight against trafficking and sexual exploitation, eventually embracing the abolitionist movement, which it helped introduce in Italy. Aghatise, initially a legal professional, became deeply engaged in human rights advocacy, particularly for women who were victims of violence, leading her to establish Iroko.
The name Iroko itself is symbolic, derived from the Edo culture, where the Iroko tree represents strength. This symbol resonates with the organization’s mission to empower women and help them overcome the challenges of trafficking and exploitation.
Iroko’s work is divided into three main areas: direct support services, knowledge sharing, and the prevention of trafficking and prostitution. The organization works with women who are at risk or have been victims of trafficking, helping them build independent lives and find dignified alternatives to prostitution. This support includes legal assistance, job placement, educational opportunities, and psychological support, often provided in collaboration with other local and international organizations.
Iroko also plays an active role in sharing knowledge and expertise gained over two decades, participating in training sessions, seminars, and international conferences to strengthen the global network of organizations fighting against sexual exploitation. The association is a strong advocate of the Nordic Model, which sees prostitution as inherently violent and opposes its legalization, emphasizing the need to reduce demand for sexual services and educate society about the harms of prostitution.
Through its activities, Iroko continues to fight against the sex industry, advocating for a world where no one is forced into sexual slavery. The organization also actively participates in various committees and task forces in Nigeria, offering support to local organizations, particularly in Edo State, and has recently opened its first office in Benin City to further its mission.
On the cover photo, the homepage of the Iroko Onlus Association
