Centuries following the US proclamation of emancipation, the global underground slave trade continues to not only prosper but also to thrive to this day.
There are according to UN figures upwards of an estimated 30 million people around the world who are trapped in an abusive, exploitative life of slavery — more than when slavery was actually legal. The illegal industry is worth tens of billions of dollars per year.
Although this major human rights issue does not receive widespread media coverage, there are nevertheless ongoing efforts to confront head on the deplorable practice that should have ended long ago. One such initiative is the local annual Ladies Night Out, which was held for the third time on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Sundre Performing Arts Centre.
“This is an uncomfortable topic,” said event organizer Naomi H. about human trafficking during her address to a sold-out crowd.
“That is the correct response. Injustice is uncomfortable. It is supposed to upset us. The key, however, is to not remain in that place but do something about it. There is nothing more empowering than standing up to injustice and becoming part of the solution.”
The fundraiser included fair trade jewelry in support of Global Wonders, which provides economic alternatives to sex slavery for women around the world. Last year, about $10,000 was raised. The organizer said she was thrilled that amount was surpassed at this year's event with a total of roughly $13,000. Anyone who was unable to attend can still support the initiative year round by visiting www.safoundation.myshopify.com.
No one chooses a life of slavery, but rather victims in developed nations who suffered abuse as children and struggle with self-esteem are preyed upon and lured by predators who seek only to exploit and profit from their bodies, she said during her address.
“In underdeveloped countries, a complex web of push and pull factors contribute to these victims' lack of free choice and inability to protect themselves. And that is why our immediate attention and intervention is required.”
However, the peddlers of misery in the human traffic trade follow the basic economic principle of supply and demand, she said.
“Let me tell you, there is an insatiable demand for more victims. A demand for younger, demand for different ethnicities, demand for girls, demand for boys, demand for more desperate and a demand for cheaper.”
The adult entertainment industry — also known as pornography — has flourished through the Internet and is a major factor driving that demand, she asserts, adding that many children as young as 11 have already been exposed to such images online.
“The porn industry has actually taken steps to attract your children by buying domain names of frequently misspelled URLs, including numerous names of cartoon characters.”
She also implored parents to address the issue lovingly with their children should they stumble upon such content online to prevent any potential damage to their ability to develop healthy relationships in the future.
“The book Diapers to Dating is especially helpful to guide you in these ongoing, always evolving conversations. Another way to protect your children is age appropriate restrictions and access to the Internet and screen time. You need to be active and involved in their social media activity.”
Despite some of the daunting details presented, she also painted a picture of optimism as well as reason for hope.
“Since we started 27 years ago we have emancipated over 1,700 women and 400 children from a life of sex slavery. In the next five years we expect to double this number and we want you to be a part of that,” she said about the Servants Anonymous Foundation.
“We currently have three recovery homes for moms and children in Vancouver, Nepal and Greece. It is critical we support these moms and help them to become the best moms they can possibly be.”
As a parting thought, she reminded the crowd that anyone could make a difference.
“Together, let's change someone's world!”
