Shared Struggles, Collective Action:
Bridging
Movements
for Change
Human trafficking is a complex issue.
To effectively address it and reduce the harms associated with the rescue industry, we need to develop new approaches for connecting, coordinating, and differentiating responses across sectors and regions.
A key part of GAATW Canada’s work is recognizing that violence, exploitation, and trafficking exist on a continuum. A collaborative, evidence-based approach across sectors is essential to address these interconnected issues. No single entity can handle these complex challenges alone.
Sharing resources and expertise will strengthen collaborations, improve programming, address root causes, and develop adaptable direct services for an issue that continues to evolve.
Efforts to prevent and respond to violence and exploitation in all their forms are crucial for creating effective solutions, whether or not they are labelled “anti-trafficking.”
On October 15–16, 2025, GAATW Canada convened a working meeting in Winnipeg, Manitoba with allied organizations from across the country.
Thirty-four participants from nine provinces and one territory attended, including Indigenous women, migrant workers, sex workers, trafficking survivors, 2SLGBTQIA+ and gender diverse people, and allies working to address violence, exploitation, and human trafficking in Canada.
“Meeting people and making connections…”
Attendees described the gathering as energizing, deeply moving, and for some, unlike anything they had experienced before.
Over two days, we moved from cross-sector relationship-building to action planning.
Hover over each round marker to see attendees and click the round marker to visit their website.
Top 5 Values Identified by
the Group
“Safety to share openly, no toxicity, competition; solidarity across difference.”
Trust
Dignity
Community
Self-determination
Integrity
These shared values will guide how we work together and support our communities.
Action
Items
Participants identified concrete actions in the areas of
Éducation
Policy Change
Networking
Direct Services
Funding
Other Actions
Next
Steps
Building on the Momentum
The Winnipeg gathering underscored the importance of stronger connections across movements to address violence and exploitation in all their forms.
It showed what is possible when movements connect, collaborate, and learn from one another, and highlighted that progress depends on trust, sustained collaboration, and centring the leadership of those most impacted.
In the months ahead, GAATW Canada will:
Nurture relationships across sectors working on gender-based violence, workers’ rights, exploitation, and trafficking.
Support joint advocacy and knowledge-sharing to advance community-led solutions.
Create ongoing spaces for dialogue and coordination so that this collective energy continues and ideas turn into action.
This gathering was a powerful reminder that none of us can do this work alone; our strength lies in solidarity.