Band of Sisters is a mild story in the world of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. The realities are far more grim—at the time the story took place and certainly today. But I pray this book is a voice—one more voice—that evokes a platform for discussion.
If we unite, if we all demand change, we will create a clamor that can’t be resisted.
To see what individuals and groups are doing to raise awareness and to learn how you can help create change, please visit the resource page on my website. Connect to the links for sites fighting modern-day slavery, sites that hold out a hand of hope and help to rescue and restore victims, and sites that educate through documentation, news, films, documentaries, books (both fiction and nonfiction), special exhibits, music, plays, and various media and art forms. The list is not exhaustive. If you know of other sites or organizations or media forms, please share them.
Education is vital if we’re to help trafficking victims and bring predators to justice. Education is vital to protect our children and grandchildren—and all those who are vulnerable.
It’s often thought that trafficking is restricted to big cities or foreign countries. But, small, rural, isolated or poor communities are targets just as vulnerable. America is no exception.
Traffickers often enter small communities with bogus offers of better jobs, modeling opportunities for young people, and offers for education opportunities. But those dreams are crushed when willing applicants are unwittingly sold as sex slaves or used for pornography, with no way to get back to their homes and families.
In some cultures, once a girl has been so abused, she is no longer welcome to return to her family, thereby compounding the problem and her sense of hopelessness. Education and understanding is desperately needed on all parts.
This week, PBS aired a two-part special called, “Half the Sky”–a springboard from the book by that name from the husband and wife journalist team that continues to work to bring opportunities to oppressed women and children. It’s a book and organization worth checking into. Here’s a link: http://www.halftheskymovement.org/
Let me know what you think and what you’re doing to help. I’d love to hear from you and share ideas at www.cathygohlke.com.
October has come. The leaves are beginning to turn, and the skies are bright, October blue. This is my favorite month of the year—my favorite season. I think I’ll rake leaves today and start a campfire—the first fire of the season. Will you join me for cup of hot, spiced cider by the fire?
Looking forward to seeing you here, next week, in the garden.
God’s blessings for you,
Comments 4
Hi Cathy,
Although you consider your book mild, it’s shocking to those who are unaware of the problem. They probably couldn’t absorb the full reality of the situation.
I’m raising awareness by promoting books such as yours. It’s a baby step, but it’s better than no step.
Blessings,
Susan
Thank you, Susan, for taking those steps to raise awareness! Without awareness, we can do nothing. Knowing the situation, and realizing there are possibilities creates hope and enables first steps. God bless you and all those who benefit from your sharing!
I thank you for writing “Band of Sisters”. Sexual slavery is so very prevalent, we need to do everything we can to draw attention to it. I applaud all authors who are basing stories around this problem. Your book was well written, and presented the subject in a manner that could be understood and hold a readers attention.
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Martha. I pray that readers everywhere will be inspired to do what they can to end this travesty. Learning that it exists and learning the possibilities for change is a first step.
God’s blessings for you!