Women's Missionary Soceity

Human Trafficking
Ideas for Action

Human Trafficking continues to be a blight on our society. Women and children continue to be bought and sold as if they were no better than livestock, and indeed, are often treated more poorly than most domestically-raised animals. As children of God and as people of faith, we are called to care for our brothers and sisters, and to resist the evil forces that conspire to fuel this inhumane industry. The last issue of Glad Tidings contained an introductory article about this issue. With support from Justice Ministries, the WMS has undertaken the lead for raising awareness about this issue within the PCC.

Here are some ideas for actions that your community can do to increase awareness of this issue.

Gather a group together to watch the movie, Human Trafficking, and have a discussion afterward. Human Trafficking is a 2005 made-for-TV ‘docu-drama’ starring Remy Girard, Donald Sutherland, and Mira Sorvino. While this is a fictionalized account of human trafficking, the basis for the plot is all too real. Earlier this year, the star of this production was named by the United Nations as a Goodwill Ambassador to combat human trafficking.
Host a discussion of Victor Malarek’s book, The Natashas: The New Global Sex Trade. Malarek, currently senior reporter with CTV’s W5 program is an award-winning (4 Michener Awards, and a Gemini Award) Canadian investigative journalist who has done extensive research in the field of human trafficking. This book is widely recognized as an excellent resource for anyone concerned about the human tragedy of the sex trade.
Speak out against gender inequality—here at home and internationally. Support programs that address the oppression of women.
Contact a local anti-trafficking group: give them an opportunity to speak to a group within your congregation. If there is no group operating locally, contact a national organization and ask them about how to start a group in your area.
Lobby your members of parliament to continue their work to combat the trafficking of persons. Politicians and law enforcement agencies need to work together to establish and enforce laws that will stop the perpetrators of these crimes. They need to know that the public is aware and concerned.