Julie Cavanagh

In 2009, when Julie was first introduced to the topic of Human Trafficking, it stirred within her a desire to learn more and find a way to somehow help in the fight against this modern day scourge.

With resources not readily available in South Africa, Julie quickly learnt that the internet was a powerful tool, not only for learning, but for educating others. Armed with the old adage “Knowledge is Power” and following the example set by her mentors, Julie turned to social media to share the information she had acquired on the topic.

With the build up to the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa, Julie was invited to assist with a campaign that was run by an international Non-Government Organization (NGO) throughout Africa highlighting the dangers of trafficking around international events.

Between 2010 and 2011, Julie assisted various NGO’s with social media campaigns highlighting their endeavors to abolish modern day slavery.

During this time, Julie was introduced to “Red Light Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative”, where she volunteered and assisted with the hosting of various fund-raising events, which included the annual Golf Day, and the Freedom Banquet. Julie also formed part of the “Night Lights” team which is responsible for walking the streets of Durban, interacting with, and building up relationships with sex-workers. The team assists with the removal of willing sex-workers from the street and supports them in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

In 2012, Julie participated in the UNICEF “Believe in Zero” competition, which allowed participants the opportunity to state why they “believe in a world where zero children die of things we can prevent”. With an overwhelming number of votes, Julie’s entry, which placed focus on child-trafficking, was selected as the winning entry. This provided Julie with an opportunity to travel with UNICEF South Africa to a rural area outside Durban to see the work being done in the local community to minimise the risk of child-trafficking and endangerment.

With a passion for children and to see an end to human-trafficking, Julie uses her passion for people and her experience with communication and public relations as a Corporate Planner to raise awareness, and support for the cause.

Julie served as officer of the board for Abolish Slavery and assisted with our social media pages