It is estimated that 49.6 million people live in modern slavery today. 1 in 4 are children; 54 per cent are women and girls; 27.6 million are in forced labour; 22 million are in forced marriage.
Statistics like these are alarming – but they’re also powerful tools for changemakers around the world to use in the fight to eliminate modern slavery.
Walk Free’s Global Slavery Index is widely recognised as the world’s most comprehensive data set of modern slavery, providing undeniable evidence that drives global efforts to drive systems change and liberate people.
A key source of data for the Global Slavery Index is the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, produced through a collective effort by Walk Free, Gallup and the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Underway for more than a decade, this collaboration was recently recognised by the Market Research Society with the International Research Award, presented to Walk Free at a gala event in London.
The award acknowledges the innovative survey methodology behind the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, using nationally representative data from the Gallup World Poll across 72 countries.
The collaborative research effort between the partners has transformed global understanding of one of the most pervasive yet underreported human rights violations.
By capturing experiences previously undocumented or overlooked, the estimates offer governments, civil society and international institutions the evidence needed to drive meaningful change.
Most importantly, the research gives voice to millions of people whose experiences were previously hidden, providing a crucial foundation for action against exploitation worldwide.
“This award reflects our joint commitment to producing rigorous research that deepens understanding of global human rights,” Walk Free Founding Director, Grace Forrest, said.
Judges commended the project for its scale, complexity and impact, highlighting the collaboration between criminologists, human rights experts and research specialists.
The findings have significantly influenced policy development, advanced academic study and elevated public awareness of modern slavery through global media coverage.
“I’d like to specifically thank the individuals who have contributed to the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery,” Ms Forrest said.
“Modern slavery is a man-made problem. In the pursuit of measuring its global impact and who is responsible, we truly hope to see an end to it in our lifetime.