About us

The German nationwide activist coordination group combating trafficking in women and violence against women in the process of migration is a registered non-profit organisation. We are active on a regional, national and international basis. Our goal is to combat  trafficking in women and we actively pursue the realisation of human rights for female migrants. 

Being the only network in Germany that focuses on these issues, the KOK sees itself as a crossroads, bringing together counselling centres, political spheres, the public at large as well as relevant partners involved in the same field of work. 

In 1987 the KOK e.V. was founded by a group of counselling centres and today there are 37 members organisations within this one umbrella organisation. We have:

• counselling centres for victims of trafficking
• specialised counselling centres for women
• projects for female migrants
• women’s homes
• counselling centres for prostitutes
• lobbying organisations

In 1999, with the financial support of the ministry for Family, Senior Citizens and Youth (BMFSFJ), a professional lobbying and coordination centre was developed in Potsdam. Its goal was to work in the best interest of its member organisations. This came about as a result of a number of factors. There had been certain changes in society. The scope of our task had broadened and the workload increased and furthermore it was hoped that as a non profit NGO our work would be more effective. In December 2006 the lobbying and coordination centre was relocated to Berlin.

KOK defines trafficking in women in the context of migration which comes about as a result of worldwide poverty, crisis and conflicts as well as rapid political and economical changes. Some of the women who want to secure their families survival become victims of trafficking while searching for work beyond the borders of their home country. KOK works to ensure the realisation of these women’s basic human rights and does not see them only as victims, but recognises their personal strength and their right to decide for themselves.

The KOK represents the common political and social interests of its members. Its task is to coordinate regional groups throughout Germany and form a network, thereby giving the groups greater support. This is achieved through the exchange of information and the sharing of experience, cooperation on events as well as relevant training. In order to have its demands considered by decision making legal bodies, the KOK lobbies at both a national and an international level.