In November 2017, while returning home from conducting a program evaluation in Northern Nigeria, I found myself seated next to a young Nigerian woman on a long flight to Los Angeles. Our journey included a lengthy layover in Cairo, lasting from 9 PM to 2 AM. The woman next to me was petite, clad in a dress that boasted black specks, and wore a headscarf. Although she was 24 years old, her shy demeanor gave her the appearance of being much younger. It quickly became apparent that this was her first time flying.
As the flight neared its conclusion, I inquired whether she was visiting family in Cairo. With a hesitant smile, she revealed that she was actually on her way to Saudi Arabia. When I asked if she had family there, she shook her head. Instead, she mentioned that she was going there for a job opportunity, spurred by a WhatsApp message from an old school friend. Although she dreamed of studying fashion design, she showed me photos on her phone of colorful dresses she had made.
When I pressed further, asking what kind of work she would be doing and whether she had a contract, she replied uncertainly that she believed she would be a nanny but was not sure. “I think I will stay a year,” she said, lacking any formal contract. When I asked if she had a round-trip ticket, she looked confused and produced a single, crudely copied page of a one-way ticket to Riyadh. My concern deepened when she admitted she did not even know who would meet her at the airport.
Her story resonated eerily with what I had learned during previous research on trafficking. A few years earlier, I had interviewed women who had experienced similar situations, often lured abroad by acquaintances promising work. They described it as a golden opportunity, much like winning the lottery.
The plane landed, and I asked her if she had ever heard of trafficking. She shook her head, growing visibly anxious. She began speaking rapidly to another young woman seated behind us, who was even smaller and also dressed in white. I soon discovered that this girl was 22 years old. When I asked to see her ticket, I was horrified to see the same type of crude Xerox. Their next flight departed at midnight, meaning they would land in Saudi Arabia at 3 AM, an hour when no one would be there to greet them.
As we disembarked, I urged the girls to stay close to me. I wanted to speak with Egyptian authorities, hoping they would contact Interpol. We approached a police station in the transit area, where I explained the situation to an Egyptian officer. He interrupted me, asking if this was a kidnapping. I clarified that it was likely trafficking. His response was dismissive, showing a lack of understanding of the issue.
The girls were growing increasingly anxious, bickering over the situation. My former seatmate confided in me that the other girl was upset with her for talking to me and wanted to catch her flight. I searched for information online, but we were in transit without Wi-Fi.
Eventually, we spoke with an Egyptian police commander. When I urged him to call Interpol, he questioned the necessity, asking if the girls were minors or if they were being forced against their will. I insisted that trafficking is criminal. His response was cynical, attributing the situation to the policies of their country and dismissing it as not his concern.
Feeling helpless, I provided my business card to my seatmate, encouraging her to reach out if she could. I warned her against surrendering her passport and advised her to contact the Nigerian Embassy if she was mistreated. The girls departed for their gate, and I was left feeling shaken.
After some time, I received a voicemail from a woman named Sarah, who thanked me for preparing her for the ordeal she faced after arriving in Saudi Arabia. She described the mistreatment she endured, including being overworked and assaulted. Thankfully, she fell ill, which ultimately led to her return home. Upon her arrival, she reflected on her experience and expressed a desire to prevent other women from going through similar fates.
Sarah’s story exemplifies the grim reality many women face when seeking employment abroad, often under the guise of legitimate opportunities. Despite recognizing the signs of trafficking, my inability to intervene effectively left me disheartened. It raises the question of how many other women are trapped in similar situations, and what can be done to ensure their safety.
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Summary:
A chance encounter on a flight revealed the disturbing reality of human trafficking. A young Nigerian woman’s journey, prompted by a job opportunity in Saudi Arabia, mirrored the experiences of many trafficked women. Despite efforts to alert authorities, systemic barriers hindered effective intervention. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing issue of trafficking and the need for increased awareness and action.