Two beautiful stories of hope
The United Nations defines Human Trafficking as “the acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them.” This horrific practice continues to be a major global problem. Just this past month, nearly 40 missing children were rescued during a sex trafficking bust in the United States.
The fight against trafficking is made especially difficult by indifferent, powerless or corrupt governments that continue to limit attempts at stopping and imprisoning traffickers. This is exasperated by poverty and the dire, desperate actions people feel compelled to do to change their situation. So often victims of human trafficking are deceived by promises of a better life.
Behind these heartbreaking statistics of human trafficking, there are real lives with real stories. Here are 2 stories of hope of Navi* and Sokha*, both beautiful young girls that have come through the SHE Rescue Home and have had their lives turned around for the better through our HER Initiative.
The HER Initiative (Home Employment Response) was designed to equip reintegrated girls and family members of survivors with vocational training, financial management education and dignified employment from the safety of their homes. Not only can members of the program earn a fair income, and learn new skills they can do it all within their own homes providing the much needed supervision for any children.
When Navi’s* family moved to Siem Reap, Cambodia for new jobs, they struggled to keep up with rent. Navi* grew stressed and heartbroken watching the landlord seized her family’s personal belongings. Her parents were already working long hours, and her father was hindered by his inability to read or write Khmer. Desperate for money, she turned to a friend.
Her friend took her to a venue of sex trafficking. Surprisingly in nearly 30% of countries, women themselves are the traffickers. Did you know that in some regions women trafficking women is the norm? Police eventually rescued Navi* and brought her to the SHE Rescue Home.
During her time with us, Navi* learned the valuable skill of sewing and uses it to make hearts and headbands that she sells for income. Now, Navi* has successfully reintegrated with her family and has the knowledge and skills to earn an income through sewing.
Sokha* was referred to the SHE Rescue home when she was 12 years old and heavily pregnant. While in our care, she delivered her baby safely, our house mums providing Sohka* with the love, medical care and maternal support she needed. During this time she also learned how to read and write.
When her baby turned two, Sokha* felt ready to reintegrate to her community. Thanks to our generous donors, we built her a home with a bedroom for her and her baby and a sewing room. Sokha* now successfully supports herself and her baby, leading a life of provision and hope - far different from the path she was traveling down before we met her.
Sadly, not every victim has access to these opportunities. But with your help, our influence can reach further. Consider partnering with us today to not only change statistics, but to transform stories of brokenness into stories of hope.