But, Half the Sky also offers stories of hope and inspiration by showing how even a little help can dramatically transform the lives of women and girls. This book provides evidence that if women have the opportunity, they can raise the standards of living for their families and their communities. If women and girls are educated, healthy, and able to live without fear of violence and oppression, they can help stop the vicious cycle of global poverty.
Right here in the U.S. cases of these human rights violations have been reported in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and some U.S. territories. By some accounts, as many as 300,000 children in America are victims of sex trafficking each year. Nicholas Kristof recently wrote an article about the major trafficking problem in the U.S. involving “homegrown American runaways.” These are 12- or 13-year-old girls from troubled homes who are lured by pimps into sexual slavery and are threatened with violence if they try to escape.
This week, the U.S. State Department releases “Trafficking in Persons” -- a comprehensive account of the efforts of governments worldwide to combat human trafficking. The U.S. government uses this annual report as a key diplomatic tool to encourage partnerships and increase determination to fight forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of modern-day slavery.
Half the Sky and “Trafficking in Persons” are not the casual beach reads of the summer. Instead, they are two of the most important chronicles of our times.
Excellent insights...Oppression and poverty are both the causes and consequences of the trafficking problem creating the vicious cycle. Education and opportunities for women can intercept this cycle on the supply side… I wonder about the role of societal education to intercept the demand problem.
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