Women’s Global Health & Human Rights

Breaking the Chains of Modern Slavery What does the term SLAVERY mean to YOU? Use the blank sheet of white paper and a marker to brainstorm everything that comes up for you when you think of the term “Slave”… SLAVE

Sex Trafficking and Intergenerational Prostitution Modern-day slavery is relatively unknown, in part because it does not fit our historic image of slavery. Contemporary human slavery can take many forms, including forced labor, child marriage, debt bondage, and commercial sexual slavery. Modern slaves can be garment workers, domestic help, agricultural workers, and prostitutes. They might work in factories, build roads, or harvest crops.

Sex Trafficking and Intergenerational Prostitution Although slavery was officially abolished worldwide at the 1926 Slavery Convention, it continues to thrive thanks to the complicity of some governments and the ignorance of much of the world. Sexual exploitation is the most widespread form of human trafficking, making up 79% of all recorded human trafficking cases. One in five victims of human trafficking are children and two-thirds of victims are women. Gender-based discrimination and the devaluing of women and girls are at the root of this exploitation, which is compounded by religious and cultural traditions and other social and economic inequalities.

Sex Trafficking and Intergenerational Prostitution Sexual exploitation and trafficking exist because it is acceptable for those in the society with more power – often adult men – to purchase and use those with less power: women and children, and among them especially, ethic minorities, the poor, and the disabled. There are more people living in slavery today than at any time in history. There is an estimated two million people sold into sex slavery around the world every YEAR…the vast majority of which are women and children.

Half the Sky: Prostitution in India Watch the film and complete the film guide Q&A Following the film, we will discuss the prompt below: –In the film, Basu relates a common parental fear: “Maybe someday when my child is empowered and educated and moves away, he or she is going to abandon me.” What factors contribute to the parents’ or community’s reluctance to see the next generation change their fate? –How would you react if someone more privileged than you were to offer to take your children away to a better life?

Half the Sky: Sex Trafficking in Cambodia Watch the film and complete the film guide Q&A Following the film, we will discuss the prompt below: –Somana chose her name because it means “forgiveness.” She tells the story of returning from the brothel and says, “The moment I became a victim, no one would forgive me. They would say I am a bad girl. If that mentality continues, I couldn’t live with myself. But I am not angry, I’ll stand taller to help other girls.” What did you think of Somana’s story? What role do you think forgiveness can play in reintegrating survivors into their communities? Would you have taken the same path if you were in Somana’s shoes? –Mam has said that “the girls and me are the same because we have the same life. I am them. They are me.” –Is it important that Mam is both a Cambodian and a survivor of sex slavery? Why or why not? How do you think her experience informs her work?

Half the Sky: Breaking the Chains of Modern Slavery – Upstanders & Bystanders There is a culture of silence surrounding sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and children. Survivors often experience social stigma, fear of retribution, and emotional trauma and are reluctant to share their stories. (#5 On your film guide handout) What are some of the ways that Somaly Mam’s programs in Cambodia and New Light in India are breaking those taboos and helping Survivors become Upstanders and challenging Bystanders and Perpetrators to reconsider their choices? (#6 on your film guide handout) What are the consequences of being an Upstander? What are some of the consequences for survivors who come forward to speak on their own behalf?

Women’s Economic Empowerment If I told you that you had to feed yourself for a whole day using just two dollars, what would you spend it on?

Women’s Economic Empowerment If I told you that you had to feed your whole family for a day with just two dollars, how would you spend the money?

Women’s Economic Empowerment More than one-half of the world’s people live below the internationally defined poverty line of less than U.S. $2 a day – including 97% of the population in Uganda, 80% in Nicaragua, 66% in Pakistan, and 47% in China. Women and girls play a vital role in the economic prosperity of their families, communities, and countries, yet in every part of the world, women often work longer hours than men, are paid less for their work, are at a higher risk of unemployment, and are far more likely to live in poverty.

Women’s Economic Empowerment A growing body of research shows that enhancing women and girls’ economic opportunities plays a critical role in reducing poverty as well as gender-based discrimination and violence, improving women and girls’ access to education and civic participation, and raising the quality of life for future generations. When women are in charge of their financial destinies, income, and capital – such as land and livestock – they gain more control over their own lives and personal security and as a result have greater access to decision-making and leadership roles in their homes and communities. Women are also more likely to reinvest profits back into their families, which in addition to improving their own children’s nutrition, health, and education – contributes to the economic growth and security of their communities and countries.

Half the Sky: Women’s Economic Empowerment Watch the film and complete the film guide Q&A Following the film, we will discuss the prompt below: –Why is women’s economic empowerment an important issue? –How does women’s economic empowerment empower men and boys as well? What role can men play in improving the economic independence of women? –How can women’s economic independence help break the cycle of poverty?

Women Find Their Voices: Graffiti Poster – Putting it all together… Read through the Poverty and Gender Fact Sheet – including the “Barriers to Women’s Economic Security” Work with your partner to create “graffiti” statements or symbols that illuminate the issues associated with women’s roles in economic prosperity. Consider this: How can educating a woman…and giving her economic power ELIMINATE many of the horrible conditions women face (think about what you saw in the film clips…)?