Explore the intricate negotiations behind abolition in the British Empire. This scholarly work delves into how sex and gender complicated anti-slavery policies in the Strait Settlements, detailing colonial officials’ struggles and the reclassification of labor. It sheds light on the resulting illicit trade in women and girls, offering a vital perspective on a lesser-known chapter of imperial history. An indispensable read for students of Asian history, gender studies, and the Indian Ocean world, examining colonial legacies and the complex dynamics of freedom.