Proceedings of the International scientific and practical conference ―Modern Science and Education‖ (April 10-12, 2026) / Publisher website: www.naukainfo.com. – Paris, France, 2026. - 217 p.

39 and socio-economic vulnerability. This form of trafficking is often organized by transnational criminal networks and is difficult to detect due to its hidden nature [2, p. 247]. In addition to sexual exploitation, trafficking in women frequently involves labour exploitation. Women are often subjected to forced labour in sectors such as domestic work, agriculture, and care services, where they may experience poor working conditions, lack of legal protection, and limited access to justice. Studies have shown that migrant women are particularly vulnerable to such forms of exploitation due to their precarious legal status and dependence on employers. Another significant but less visible form of trafficking is forced marriage, where women are compelled to enter marital relationships against their will. This form of exploitation is often linked to cultural practices, economic pressures, or migration- related vulnerabilities. Forced marriages can result in long-term physical, psychological, and social consequences for victims, further reinforcing gender inequalities [7, p. 820]. The gender dimension of trafficking in women is a critical aspect that must be considered in both academic research and policy development. Women are particularly vulnerable due to structural inequalities, including limited access to education, employment, and social protection. Gender norms and stereotypes further exacerbate this vulnerability, making women more susceptible to various forms of exploitation [7, p. 815]. In response to the growing scale of trafficking in human beings, the European Union has developed a comprehensive legal framework aimed at preventing and combating this phenomenon. One of the key instruments is Directive 2011/36/EU, which establishes common standards for the definition of trafficking, criminalization of offenders, and protection of victims. This Directive emphasizes a human rights- based approach and recognizes the gender-specific nature of trafficking. Furthermore, the EU Strategy on combating trafficking in human beings outlines coordinated actions to address the root causes of trafficking and improve victim support mechanisms. The strategy focuses on prevention, protection, and prosecution, as well as strengthening cooperation between member states and international