The Signal for Help campaign was launched by the Canadian Women’s Foundation in April 2021 and has gained traction around the world. “The signal for help” or “#SignalForHelp,” which is meant to be made with one hand, sees an individual face their palm outward to the camera or other person before tucking their thumb inwards and closing their[continue reading]
Human Trafficking
Are we really a voice for the voiceless?
We have become taken with the expressions “being a voice for the voiceless” and “giving a voice to the voiceless.” But, are people really voiceless? In reality, they don’t need us to be their voice. What they need is for more people to really listen. We often like to be seen as a champion for[continue reading]
Advocacy is about Storytelling
Advocacy is a vital part of fighting human trafficking. But, what do we mean by advocacy? Advocacy is a prophetic activity of the churches, in which we accompany and support our sisters and brothers who struggle mightily for justice and peace in the context of injustice and violence against fellow human beings and the rest[continue reading]
Why not use the word “slavery” when referring to trafficking?
Over the past few months, there have been several articles written and discussions at webinars I have attended on the words “slavery” and “trafficking.” It is common in the anti-trafficking field (either in campaigns or in policy) to link colonial slavery with human trafficking by reference to “modern slavery.” These terms have been used by[continue reading]
The Costs of Displacement, the Gifts of Stability
Walk a mile in a refugee’s shoes. One day, you knew where you belonged, what you would be doing and with whom. Then one day, due to circumstances beyond your control—war, strife, poverty, persecution, or natural disaster—you were displaced. Everything changed. In nearly the blink of an eye, you lost money and assets. Your identity—your[continue reading]