The Truth About Modern Slavery

Dismantling myths and revealing realities with Emily Kenway.

On Thursday 19 June, we hosted writer and activist Emily Kenway to give a talk aboout her first book, The Truth About Modern Slavery. Throughout the evening Emily addressed modern slavery, and its misrepresentation in political and cultural narratives. Kenway, an advisor to the UK's first anti-slavery commissioner, emphasises the difference between the real experiences of victims and the stories shaped for political motives. She discusses the conditions that foster exploitation, the misuse of the term 'modern slavery,' and how systemic issues like weak labour rights, poor regulation, and political convenience contribute to it. Emily uses examples like car washes, nail bars, and supply chains to illustrate inconsistent attitudes towards labour exploitation. She advocates for addressing systemic issues rather than focusing on sensationalized rescue efforts, stressing the need to understand and tackle the root causes of exploitation.

We recorded the event for those who couldn't be there and would encourage all those interested in our social justice work to take a listen.

Available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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