Rita Chaikin

In the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona, Rita Chaikin was working at the Rape Crisis Center when she began counseling incarcerated Russian women. At first, she was stunned by how many Russian women were behind bars. She soon realized these women were not criminals, but victims of human trafficking. Today, through her tireless efforts as the Anti-Trafficking Project Coordinator for Isha L'Isha — Haifa Feminist Center, Ms. Chaikin is helping to wipe out trafficking in her country and around the world. Her pioneering programs have helped government and law officials and non-governmental organizations better collaborate in identifying, assisting and protecting victims, prosecuting traffickers and educating the public.