One in 27 Million: An Interview with Bianca Olthoff from The A21 Campaign

We’re thrilled for the release of Trade of Innocents in the fall and want to invite you into our excitement. We’re interviewing people and organizations on the subject of human trafficking in preparation for the movie. Perhaps you’ve heard of some of our friends. Maybe some of these names will be new to you.

We’re here today with Bianca Olthoff, Chief Storyteller from The A21 Campaign, which stands for Abolishing Injusting in the 21^st Century. This organization is dedicated to abolish slavery one person at a time, starting with Europe .  Their transitional homes help provide victims with a safe and loving environment, as well as necessary resources such as counseling and legal assistance.

1. How would you describe the role of A21 and its impact in the fight to abolish trafficking? 

The A21 Campaign holds tightly to be the belief that we can and will abolish slavery in the 21^st century. We are more than just an awareness organization. We are more than a shelter program. We believe in the comprehensive approach to against human trafficking:

·     *   Prevent people from being trafficked through education and awareness programs

·     *  Protect and support those who have been trafficked

·     *  Prosecute traffickers and strengthen legal responses to trafficking

·     *  Partner with law enforcement, service providers and community members to provide a comprehensive front against trafficking

2. What exposure to human trafficking led to the formation and your involvement with A21? How did you find out about the needs and how did you know where to start meeting them?

Our founders first learned about human trafficking while visiting Greece. A single missing poster hanging among hundreds of missing posters on the airport wall planted a seed that bourgeoned into something so much larger than we ever imagined.

We started in the journey and fight against slavery by educating ourselves on the current state of affairs around the globe. We read articles, gathered information, met with other organizations on the ground, and comprised a feasibility study for the area we first aimed to reach.

What started as one office in Thessaloniki, Greece has grown to a global organization with six offices around the globe! We know the problem is massive and we will continue to fight until the injustice of slavery is abolished.

3. What surprised you the most in learning about human trafficking?

There are more slaves today than there has ever been in human history.  The sheer magnitude of 27 million is overwhelming, but we are undaunted in pursuing justice for the oppressed.

4. How has your vision been shaped in this process? 

Perspective has changed everything for me. The numerical value of 27 million is incomprehensible to me. I don’t even know what that number looks like in a realistic scenario. However, if we strip down 27 million to just one, everything changes.

It’s one face, one story, one life—when we keep that in perspective, there is an unending hope that we can change the life of one in a million… 27 million to be exact.

5. How can the average citizen get involved with A21 or help in the fight against human trafficking? 


We try to keep things simple because the issue is quite overwhelming. Listed on our website are 21 ways for people to get involved. From simple everyday choices to more in-depth involvement, our list is an easy way for people to engage.

Whether you write a letter to a girl in Greece or apply for an internship in Bulgaria, anyone can get involved.


6. What is one of your favorite stories from your time with A21?



Being able to obtain a girl from a Grecian detention center and document her story was an honor I never thought I’d be able to have. Being a native Spanish-speaker granted me access to translate and help share her story with local authorities as well as our legal team.

We were able to open our shelter doors, grant her legal counsel, and repatriate her with family members. It was an invaluable experience that has changed my life forever!

7. What does your dream vacation look like?

Anywhere with a beach, books, and no Internet! J

Thank you, Bianca, for sharing what The A21 Campaign is doing across the Atlantic!

Be the first in the know by following The A21 blog here.

Like The A21 Campaign on Facebook here. 

Follow @TheA21Campaign on Twitter here.

Don’t be left out! You can watch their YouTube videos here.

Stay current on all the latest news about Trade Of Innocents by visiting our website, or Facebook page, and view our new trailer on You Tube.