Ruby, not her real name
By Ronald O. Reyes, Philippines
Oct 22 2021
A 24-year-old survivor of online sexual exploitation was among the recipients of the “Women of the Future Award” in Southeast Asia this year.
Ruby, not her real name, received the award for the Community Spirit and Public Service category “for using her voice to help fuel a global movement to end the online sexual exploitation of children.”
“I will use every ounce of passion and strength that I have to continue being an advocate against online sexual exploitation of children to the ends of the world until the day that all captives are free,” said Ruby, who has become a survivor leader and advocate.
The International Justice Mission (IJM), a global organization, said Ruby has contributed to advocacy and awareness efforts by speaking to local and global media and through social media campaigns.
Ruby’s story of rescue and restoration is highlighted in the recent Global Threat Assessment (GTA) Report by the WeProtect Global Alliance, an organization that brings together experts from government, the private sector, and civil society to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse online.
“Noting the increasing scale of child sexual exploitation and abuse online, the GTA Report recommends greater regulation to make online environments safer for children, deployment of online safety tools by tech companies, and increased investment in law enforcement, among others,” said IJM in a statement.
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