Have you ever had your heart tugged…your soul ache for somebody or something? Sometimes I am very naive to the happenings around the world. It’s so easy to stay comfortable in my Orange County home with my Orange County friends and Los Angeles family, unaware of the suffering that is occurring. The world is full of suffering, pain, violence and abuse, and while I don’t expect that we should all be able to help with every cause, I do believe that small acts can make a significant difference.
It’s hard to imagine that human trafficking and slavery still exist in other countries. Here are some facts you may be interested in (Source: The Emancipation Network):
Slavery was outlawed in the US in 1864, and it is not legal anywhere in the world, yet there are more slaves in the world today than at any time in human history.
27 million people around the world are estimated to be victims of slavery, for forced prostitution, labor, domestic work, and other forms of exploitation, with approximately 50% of victims being under the age of 18. UNICEF estimates that one million children will be forced into prostitution this year.
In South Asia, traffickers will pay $150 to parents for their child’s life. Brothel owners can purchase the same child from the trafficker for about $1000. For traffickers, sex slavery is a lucrative business, generating over 7 billion dollars a year. Trafficking is often controlled by organized crime syndicates.
Victims of human trafficking are subject to gross human rights violations including rape, torture, beatings, starvation, dehumanization, and threats of murdering family members. In the case of traffficking for sexual exploitation, girls often have their virginity sold first, followed by multiple gang rape to break down their resistance. Since the bodies of young girls are not ready for sexual intercourse, this often results in abrasions, making the girls susceptible to HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
One organization is working to fight slavery and human trafficking by empowering survivors and people at high risk to rebuild their lives. The Emancipation Network (I love the name which means freedom) helps individuals and communities become slavery-proof with sustainable income, job training, education, aftercare and reintegration into society. TEN also engages in preventive efforts to prevent slavery in high-risk communities. Efforts include volunteer trips and donations which includes profits from the products Made By Survivors of slavery and human trafficking. The organization has a web store with jewelry, bags, home decor items and more. I received a gorgeous, eco-chic handbag in blue in woven plastic and made from reclaimed plastic shopping bags (I’m impressed!). The bags are picked up from the street, sanitized, cut into strips, and woven on a loom by women and teens. What makes them so beautiful to me, is the story behind the bags. Knowing that someone (who was a slave) out there made this bag by hand makes it even more special. Mother’s Day (in my opinion) is about giving gifts with meaning. I think the organization’s efforts to provide quality items while serving to raise awareness and help transform lives is amazing.
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Thanks, Caryn! I really appreciate your support!