Last night’s supper for trafficked women made me think of a project that I did on the topic when I was in university. It was really eye opening for me. I cannot even begin to describe the horrors that women and children face in the modern-day slave trade. I went on to read more about the issue and to attend the odd event that took place.
I think next year, I should buy a table at the dinner so that my friends could join me and also be enlightened. The topic still does not receive enough attention. Most people think that it is something that happens “over there” like in Thailand and don’t relate it to their own city. Winnipeg has lots of missing women and children. How many were turned into prostitutes will never be known.
One of the requests last night was to pray about the situation and to become more educated on it. I remember when I had a conversation about this topic with women they knew about domestic slaves, mail order brides, prostitutes, and the like, but they never stopped to consider the slaves of the garment factory. What label are you wearing on your clothes and where were they made?
When I was in East DR Congo the women in the picture were learning a trade so that they could be self-sufficient and not have to sell themselves on the street. Half of the world has no idea how the other half lives.
I do think there comes a time when we need to do a little research so that we know we are not assisting a crime in progress. We cannot turn a blind eye. Women and children are vulnerable. The stories of trafficked women and children are heart wrenching. They need every person who can help them in whatever ways necessary to leave the trade and to start a new life. Natasha’s Home will allow some of them to do this. Check out http://www.unanima-international.org/eng/what-we-do/campaigns/stop-the-demand to learn more about the issue. Listen to Keith MacPherson’s sing Firefly. Think about what you can do to stop the demand. Everyone deserves to live in freedom.
Peace,
Suzanne
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