Project description
What problem are you trying to solve?
Currently in Uganda, there is an information black hole of human trafficking and forced labor. It is extremely difficult to find up to date resources. Due to the high levels of unemployment and poverty in the country, many of the youth are opting for opportunities abroad and are continuously trafficked to countries like China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa, Canada and the Middle East with the promise of employment for odd jobs like security guards, househelps, nannies but many end up becoming victims of forced labor and sexual exploitation. It is estimated that over 21 million people are trafficked around the world, fueling a $150 billion industry for traffickers yet there were only 9,071 convictions for trafficking globally in 2016. This indicates an urgent need for platform that collects this data specifically for Uganda and provides readily available, localized resources to victims.
What is your solution to this problem?
Wetaase is an online platform that utilises data to track and reduce incidences of human trafficking through an online dashboard to monitor domestic and transnational trafficking. All data on the dashboard will be shared by key players such as CSOs, NGOs and govt. to monitor, prevent, plan, inform and advocate against human trafficking within Uganda and across our borders. Our focus is both on prevention, and post-incident justice and recuperation. Users will be able to access information & resources on human trafficking, including on red flags related to travel opportunities, access to legal advice, safety tips and prevention mechanisms. All data on how users interact with the platform will also be collected. The platform includes a phone helpline and web-based helpline which provides more detailed information, connection to legal aid, aftercare services and required assistance for extraction. Users can make informed decisions and report trafficking or seek support.
Why are you going to win The Spindle Award for Best Innovation?
Wetaase unleashes the power of technology by providing life-saving information & support to high-risk individuals, victims and survivors. Wetaase combines the expertise and services of 10+ anti-trafficking organizations/ministries to create one central data system to track, monitor and prevent trafficking in a space without prior collaboration, data use, communication channels or adequate sensitization strategies. It is unique, effective and desperately needed to fight trafficking.
