Modern Day Slavery: World Fair Trade Day 2015 {and Giveaway!}

*Disclaimer: The following post is sponsored. However, we would not promote or work with a business we did not believe to be reputable or relevant to our readers.

The word slavery almost always brings to mind the cotton fields of the Deep South around the time of the civil war. In the past. As in, not happening any more. And that’s where we like to keep the vision of slavery because it is more comfortable to believe that is doesn’t exist currently. But unfortunately, the truth is, slavery is alive and well, and human traffickers have been getting better and better at keeping it hidden.

Slavery didn’t end with abolition.

– End Slavery Now

“There are millions of people enslaved throughout the world today, most in plain sight. Through education, awareness and activism, we can end slavery in our lifetime.” Slavery could be anywhere- from the undocumented forced laborer in the kitchen at your favorite ethnic restaurant or the forced laborer you drive past on the highway who is building a bridge, to the “nanny” of a wealthy family who has been brainwashed to believe she has a better life than in her home country as she works sun up to sun down for very low pay. Then there is the sex worker who was tricked into the trafficking industry with no means to escape. These are all examples of how slavery is still happening. And it happens right under our noses.

There are approximately 20 to 30 million slaves in the world today and human trafficking generates $32 billion per year.

According to the U.S. State Department, 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year, of which 80% are female and half are children. The largest form of modern-day slavery currently happening is sex trafficking, at 80% of all current slavery. Worldwide, almost 20% of all trafficking victims are children. However, in some parts of Africa and the Mekong region, children are the majority (up to 100% in parts of West Africa). Young Girls of all ages are sold into the industry, even as young as 4 years old. Some are sold by their own families because of such extreme poverty. Some are tricked away from their families with a promise of education and opportunity in another city or country. Little boys are also sold, with a booming industry in Thailand.

When I first started to learn of these atrocious things happening, I was absolutely appalled. But what could I do? I am a comfortable, white, middle class woman living in suburban America, who never worries if I will have my next meal. My house has a roof, I have running water, I have a dishwasher- you get the picture. But I wanted to do something. I am a mom. And as a mom this awareness weighed heavily on my heart. What if that was my daughter?

As moms, we should all be concerned with this epidemic. For the girl’s sake but also the boys. What kind of world are we in that men would be sexually attracted to young girls? What is happening in culture that men in America (and other places) are taking “sex vacations” to other countries for the sole purpose of having sex with young girls every day? While I certainly have some theories (think the over-sexualization of EVERYTHING from selling bras to toothpaste and cars), one main point is clear to me: sex trafficking is NOT OK and I want to DO SOMETHING about it.

So I am doing exactly that. I am a Freedom Fighter for Better Way Imports. Better Way Imports is a retail company that sells fair trade products made by people rescued from human trafficking. Better Way Imports works with many different companies across the globe including Freeset and Sari Bari, both in India. All of the products sold through Better Way Imports are gorgeously hand made, and make a real difference in the lives of these women. This model of buying their goods is more sustainable than giving them a monetary donation. By selling their goods, they can build a business and rebuild their self worth as well.

“By supporting meaningful jobs, Better Way Imports encourages not only a permanent way out of poverty and oppression, but also an opportunity for hope, dignity and a life people in impoverished situations could never before have imagined.  This is our vision: to provide a better way of helping people. Better Way Imports is not a charity–we demand high quality products, fair trade with employees, and sustainable business practices.”

– Better Way Imports

How you can make a difference:

May 9, 2015 is World Fair Trade Day, so it is a perfect time to support this cause.

Did you know that it only takes $650 to support a woman freed from slavery for one year?  That much money can easily be raised at an awareness event!  Those interested in spreading the word about sex trafficking, as well as doing something about it, can host an awareness event!  Invite family, friends, co-workers, people you bump into at the store, whoever! At these events, invitees will hear the story behind the products, learn how they can help, and get the chance to purchase products. An event typically takes just two- three hours and all it requires from you is the willingness to host and invite your friends. As a Freedom Fight for BWI, I do the rest! Real change happens in our hearts, compelling us to take action. Contact me (Chrissy Bender) today to host an awareness event at your home, place of work, or church. Hostesses can also earn free and discounted products!

https://www.facebook.com/ChrissyBenderFreedomFighter

Learn more:

Better Way Imports: http://betterwayimports.com/about/mission/human-trafficking-facts/human-trafficking-myths-and-facts

Recognizing slavery: http://www.endslaverynow.org/learn/recognizing-slavery

Polaris Project: www.Polarisproject.org

As a thank you for taking some time to learn about this important topic, Chrissy is sponsored a giveaway so one of our readers can experience the quality and beauty of BWI products first hand. The winner will choose ONE of the following necklaces.

Imani Moyo Necklace: Imani (Uganda) seeks to free women from the global sex trade and alleviate poverty through healing, empowerment and fashion design. All this jewelry is hand-crafted and the women receive fair trade wages, which empower them to provide for their families and educate their children.

Abba House Black Marble Circle Necklace: The Abba House Foundation (Thailand) teaches a new way of life; a life of dignity and freedom. By making this jewelry, these boys and girls no longer have to sell their bodies to earn enough to eat. Their program also includes spiritual devotions and growth.

Enter below for your chance to win!

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