The Cultural, Political, and Legal Climate Behind the Fight to Stop Trafficking in Women: William J. Clinton's Legacy to Women's Rights

Abstract

Trafficking in women for the purpose of enslaving them in sex work is one of the oldest and most heinous violations of women's rights. Trafficking had never effectively been addressed until the Clinton Administration focused worldwide attention on this international crime. The Clinton Administration left a legacy of enhancing women's rights by adopting a multi-pronged cultural, political, and judicial approach that has had a direct impact in the United States and an indirect effect abroad. The culmination of that effort was the enactment of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. The Bush Administration fully supports this legislation, and re-authorized it in 2003 and 2005. This article examines the cultural context that enabled the passage of this important legislation.

Keywords: trafficking, sex trafficking, slavery, women's rights, human rights, Victims of Trafficking Act, Bill Clinton

JEL Classification: K10, K33, K42