Maki Mandela has given her backing to Bermuda's Run For Freedom.

The daughter of Nelson Mandela — currently on the Island to launch a water catchment scheme by Youth News — is particularly passionate about the plight of millions of women trapped in modern day slavery, mainly in the sex industry.

She told The Royal Gazette she supports the March 30 run, set up by Charlotte Wilberforce to raise awareness of modern day slaves and generate cash for international anti-slavery coalition Stop The Traffik.

"Modern day slavery is tied to mostly women. I am a woman. I'm passionate about women's issues. I would support that initiative," said Dr. Mandela.

"Slavery may not take place in Bermuda any more, but it doesn't matter. My view is that it doesn't matter where you are in the world, it's happening."

Ms Mandela posed for her photograph with one of the Freedom Keys which symbolise the call for world leaders to stamp out human trafficking, child labour, bonded labour and other forms of slavery.

"It's also unlocking the mental freedom, unlocking people's minds," added Dr. Mandela. "People have got to be fully aware of who they are and where they come. They have got to unlock their freedom."

Dr. Mandela has held key posts in international groups including the Industrial Development Group and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and last year she was named international businesswoman of the year at the Women Working Together Purple Carpet Awards in California.

Ms Wilberforce — the great-great-great granddaughter of UK slave emancipator William Wilberforce — thanked Dr. Mandela for her support.

"Nelson Mandela is someone my whole family has admired for a lifetime and it is great that his daughter is so involved today and doing so much good," said Ms Wilberforce.

"To have someone of Maki Mandela's standing supporting the Run For Freedom is just wonderful, she is reaching to all corners of the world and is a superb example of how to reach out to others.

"By supporting Run For Freedom, Dr. Mandela is encouraging the whole Island to take part and make a stand against slavery today. She is sending a great message to the rest of the world with her support and I am thrilled to have her backing."

Run For Freedom will start at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, and will be one mile long, from Front Street to Barr's Park, where a party will be held. People who don't want to or can't run will be able to walk, and families are encouraged to take part together.

It is likely to get international coverage from MTV, which is planning to film Run For Freedom's twin event in London, and hopes to include footage from Bermuda in its final broadcast.

Entry forms are available from Daisy & Mac, Washington Mall Upper Level; KAFU Hair and Gallery in Parliament Street; The Royal Gazette office in Par-la-Ville and others.

It costs $10 for children up to 16; $20 for adults; $50 for a family of four; $30 to enter on the day of the event. The first 300 entrants will receive a free T-shirt and goody bag.

You can send direct payments to Bank of Bermuda's Run For Freedom account on 010-778488-011. You can sign up by e-mailing runforfreedom@yahoo.com.

Also: www.geocities.com/runforfreedom/london_bermuda.html or check out Run For Freedom's Facebook group.