On Tuesday, February 23, our group spoke with Lauren Jackson, the Research and Policy Officer at the Walk Free Foundation. 

Based in Perth, Australia, the Walk Free Foundation undertakes research and writes about modern enslavement. Over time, a group of people conduct this research on certain countries, looking to stop the exploitation of workers. This collection of comprehensive evidence is used to form a benchmarking system, the Global Slavery Index. Targeted at the companies using forced labor, this Index advocates for big changes. Resources and Reports can be found on the organization’s website, walkfree.org.

Lauren, one of the 13 members, is a Research and Policy Officer. In response to one of our questions, she mentioned how COVID-19 has only worsened conditions for workers in some cases. The pressure of having to find work, along with many jobs being unavailable really slims out the options. Migrant workers especially, are only looking for a decent opportunity. Many end up being used for inescapable, cheap labor.

Laurens knowledge on this topic was reflected throughout the whole video, and I am grateful to get a chance to learn from her. She recommended we continue to pressure corporations into monitoring their supply chains and such. She has inspired me to do so. 

Thank you, Lauren Jackson, for your care and time.