Bio
Dr Monique Emser is an expert in complex crimes specialising in human trafficking and counter-trafficking governance. She holds a BA and BA Hons from the University of Natal (UND), an MA from the Hochschule Bremen (Germany), and a PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). With over 15 years of experience in counter-trafficking research and practice, Dr Emser’s work addresses interrelated issues including gender-based violence, missing persons, migration, organised crime, deviant globalisation, unconventional security threats, and human rights. Dr Emser actively contributes to both international and local efforts to combat human trafficking. Internationally, she serves as an advisory member on the G-100 Women’s Anti-Human Trafficking Wing for South Africa and is part of Mission 89’s International Scientific Research Committee. Locally, she is a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Human Trafficking Task Team, the KwaZulu-Natal Anti-Trafficking Coalition, and the National Freedom Network. Dr Emser across the Political Science and Social Policy programmes. Dr Emser facilitates the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law module for the Social Policy coursework programme.
Degrees held
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Natal – Durban
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Natal – Durban
- Master of European Studies, Hochschule Bremen
- PhD, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Research Interests
- Human trafficking and counter-trafficking governance
- Complex crimes
- Deviant globalization
- Gender-based violence
- Unconventional security threats
- Safeguarding in sport
Teaching Interests
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Human Rights and Conflict Transformation
- Social Policy
Publications
- Emser, M and Van Der Watt, M, (2019), ‘#Stillnotfound: Missing children in South Africa.’ Alternation, Vol 26, No 1, 89-120. http://alternation.ukzn.ac.za/Files/articles/volume-26/issue-1/05-Emser.pdf
- Emser, M and Francis, S. (2017), ‘Counter-trafficking governance in South Africa: an analysis of the role of the KwaZulu-Natal human trafficking, prostitution, pornography and brothels task team’, Journal of Contemporary African Studies, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02589001.2017.1309363
- Emser, M and Francis, S, (2014) ‘Media waves and moral panicking: the case of the FIFA World Cup 2010’, Strategic Review for Southern Africa, Vol 36, No 2, 169–180.
- Emser, M and Van Der Watt, M, (2022), Trafficking of Women and Children in Africa, in J. Smit, G.X. Ngantweni, E.E.O. Alemika and C. Botha (eds.), Policing in Africa: Towards an African Epistemology. Juta and Company (Pty) Limited. https://ebooks.unisaenterprise.ac.za/product/policing-in-africa-towards-an-african-epistemology
- Emser, M and Francis, S, (2014), Human trafficking in South Africa: Political conundrums and consequences, in L. Asuelime and S. Francis (eds.), Selected Themes in African Studies: Political Conflict and Stability. Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development. Springer International Publishing.
Community Engagement
- Member: G100 Women Anti-Trafficking Wing (2023 – )
- Member: Mission 89 International Scientific Research Committee (2022 – )
- Member: National Freedom Network
- Member: KwaZulu-Natal Human Trafficking Task Team (2009 – to date)