Thank you Brooke Gordon for sharing about an organization doing positive things to stand against trafficking.
From domestic abuse to rape to sex trafficking, gender-based violence threatens the social and economic wellbeing of women and girls around the world.
Violence against women and girls occurs in many different forms—physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and even through technology. It is a worldwide public health crisis and human rights violation of epidemic proportions.
It is estimated that 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner (not including sexual harassment) at some point in their lives. However, some national studies show that up to 70 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. (Referencing UNODC (2016). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2016, p. 7, 28. )
Adult women account for 51 per cent of all human trafficking victims detected globally. Women and girls together account for 71 per cent, with girls representing nearly three out of every four child trafficking victims. Nearly three out of every four trafficked women and girls are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. [1] The statistics are absolutely staggering.
Violence against women and girls is preventable.
Over 5,000 delegates registered for the parallel events, hosted by Non Governmental Agencies (NGO’s). Literally dozens of lectures, workshops and events were held every hour of each day during the two-week annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations (UN) in New York. I had the privilege of attending in March 2013 as a delegate with Soroptimist International; the CSW57 priority theme was: elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.
It was an overwhelming experience filled with listening and learning – collaboration amongst government agencies and simplified referral programs amongst community partners, and how major sports events are a significant source of demand for women who are trafficked. Susan Sarandon spoke at the International Women’s Day march, bringing words of greeting from Malala Yousafzai.
What stood out for me was that most of the attendees were women, speaking about how to protect other women.
Education is a human right.
A study by the WorldBank.org shows that women with some or completed secondary education have an 11 – 36% lower risk of violence [2]. Education for women and girls is a key to unlocking their economic empowerment. When women and girls are educated, they have opportunity, choice and power to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families.
Human rights and gender equality is at the heart of Soroptimist International’s advocacy. The Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women® provides cash grants for head-of-household women seeking to improve their lives with the help of education or training. Almost $35 million in awards has been disbursed to tens of thousands of women since the program began in 1972. Many applicants and recipients are survivors of violence—domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking. This unique education program gives women the tools they need to improve their education and career prospects to confidently leave behind abusive situations, seeking a better life for themselves and their families.
Find out how you can volunteer at liveyourdream.org ®—an online community that offers volunteer opportunities in support of women and girls.
About Soroptimist International
Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement with a network of over 75,000 club members in 122 countries. Among the four federations covering the globe, Soroptimist International of the Americas (Soroptimist.org) is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa.
About Brooke Gordon
Brooke Gordon is a certified health and strategic life coach with over 10 years of experience as a professional manager working with businesses in strategic planning and effecting change. She is passionate about working with people who got a doctor’s prescription for “a lifestyle change”. Brooke offers a tailored coaching program and not a one-path for all so you’ll get personalized coaching for your specific needs.
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