Footprint to Freedom was represented at the GLO.ACT Women’s Network General Meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye, by our Executive Director, Malaika Oringo.

It was an encouraging and enriching experience to participate in the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) Women’s Network General Meeting, held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 18–19 August 2026.

The meeting provided a valuable space to learn about developments, initiatives and challenges in addressing trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling from a gender perspective, while exchanging experiences and good practices across countries and sectors.

I particularly valued learning from colleagues representing Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iraq and Pakistan, as well as the Central Asian perspectives represented by Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. Bringing together perspectives from government, law enforcement, the justice sector and civil society made the exchange even richer.

I was pleased to contribute to the Voices of Experience session, highlighting the importance of meaningful survivor engagement

I leave Istanbul with new learning, strengthened connections and a renewed appreciation of what we can achieve when we learn across countries, sectors and regions.

My sincere thanks to #UNODC UNODC, particularly Martin Reeve, Nushofarin Noziri, Shahida Gillani, Umeda Salieva, Zubaida Shakir and the wider team, for creating this valuable space for learning and exchange.

A special acknowledgement to Emmanuelle whose leadership and commitment over the years have contributed significantly to the growth of the GLO.ACT Women’s Network, and to the #EuropeanUnion for its support through the EU-funded PROTECT project.

I look forward to carrying these connections and lessons forward as we continue strengthening inclusive and collaborative responses to human trafficking.