Born: 1975
Biography:
Rachel Elizabeth Lloyd CMG (born 1975) is a British anti-trafficking advocate, author, and the founder of Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS). She is a prominent figure in the fight against commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking, and has played a vital role in shifting the perception of trafficked girls from criminals to victims and survivors.
Lloyd’s journey began when she immigrated to the United States in 1997. Upon arriving, she immediately started working to end domestic sex trafficking, with a special focus on addressing the commercial sexual exploitation of children and young women. In 1998, Lloyd established Girls Educational and Mentoring Services, a non-profit organization based in Harlem, New York. GEMS aims to empower and support young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking.
In March 1998, Lloyd attended the inaugural International Summit of Sexually Exploited Youth, organized by the International Centre to Combat Exploitation of Children, held in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. During the summit, she actively participated in drafting a declaration and call to action, urging governments worldwide to take a stand against sexual exploitation. This declaration was later presented at the United Nations by Lloyd on October 22, 2009, and was subsequently ratified by 120 countries.
Lloyd’s tireless efforts and dedication to combat human trafficking have garnered her numerous accolades and recognition. In 2004, she was named one of the 100 Women Who Shape New York by the New York Daily News. Two years later, she received the Reebok International Human Rights Award, highlighting her impactful work in advocating for the rights of trafficked individuals. Lloyd was also honored with the Social Entrepreneurship Award from the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research in 2008.
In 2010, Lloyd was named the New Yorker of the Week by NY1, shining a spotlight on her remarkable contributions to the community. Her commitment to making a positive change has been further acknowledged by being awarded an Ashoka Fellowship and a Prime Mover Fellowship in 2010.
Rachel Lloyd’s advocacy and activism have transformed the way society views and supports survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Through GEMS, she has provided vital resources, education, and mentoring to countless young women, empowering them to break free from the cycle of exploitation and reclaim their lives. Lloyd’s unwavering dedication to the cause has not only helped countless survivors, but has also had a profound impact on the fight against human trafficking globally.
Awards:
– 100 Women Who Shape New York by the New York Daily News (2004)
– Reebok International Human Rights Award (2006)
– Social Entrepreneurship Award from the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research (2008)
– Ashoka Fellowship and Prime Mover Fellowship (2010)
– New Yorker of the Week by NY1 (2010)