Women are at the core of the modern abolitionist movement, and can help end slavery by working together. That’s the key takeaway from the Women Ending Slavery Spreecast, which is now available online. The hour-long discussion unfolded last Friday to celebrate International Women’s Day 2014.
The Spreecast highlighted what slavery looks like today, what women are currently doing to end slavery, and how you can help women and children break free from this global injustice. Speakers included Free the Slaves Director of Programs Karen Stauss, Jessica Leslie of Vital Voices, Tina Frundt of Courtney’s House and actress and Free the Slaves supporter Virginia Williams.
Jessica Leslie of Vital Voices and Karen Stauss at Free the Slaves speaking online as they open the “Women Ending Slavery” Spreecast. Photo: FTS/Hodges
Karen Stauss opened the discussion by describing how she has personally seen women organize and lead communities in the countries where Free the Slaves works. “This is not something that goes unseen or is invisible, women are actually impacting and changing lives,” she said.
Trafficking survivor Tina Frundt discussed how rescuing a victim goes “beyond the rescuing of a body.” She talked about the long-term psychological and medical attention that survivors receive at her survivor-led organization.
Actress/activist Virginia Williams noted that women must start to support one another by funneling their passion to end slavery in order to educate and inform those around them. “Women need to help women because when we come together, the impact will be overwhelming,” she said. “We can bring about healing in such a profound way.”
The Spreecast concluded with a Q&A session on how survivors are reintegrated into everyday life, and how spiritual/religious communities can get involved.
When asked what can people do today to make a difference, Karen urged contacting their U.S. Senators and U.S. House representative to encourage them to support bills HR 3344 and HR 1732/S 1823 which focus on strengthening the rights of trafficked children and requiring greater transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers.
It is time to follow these women’s examples and take action against modern-day slavery. As Virginia quoted Deepak Chopra: “Attention energizes, intention transforms.”
Become intentional. Visit the Free The Slaves website to see our slavery fact sheet, tip sheet for action, and other ways you can spread the word. Or donate to our projects, which are moving women and girls from slavery to freedom in hot spots around the globe.
