In February 2008, the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings became legally binding. Dr. Widad welcomed the entry into force of the Convention, noting that this is a major step forward in the fight against this modern form of slavery.

Defend International (DI) documents its formal participation in the 52nd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW52) at UN Headquarters in New York. Led by founder Dr. Widad Akreyi, the DI delegation engaged in high-level multilateral forums, panel discussions, and collaborative NGO coalitions to integrate human security, conventional disarmament, and gender-responsive frameworks into international policy.

The Commission on the Status of Women, which is dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women, adopted agreed conclusions during its 52nd session.