Mar
31
2010
The Pimp Culture
Emily Uncategorized 2
You’ve probably noticed that the word “pimp” has come into popular use in culture beyond the original definition. It’s come to mean cool, glamorous, and is generally used a positive adjective thanks to the glorification of the pimp culture in rap songs and shows like MTV’s “Pimp My Ride.” Recently Kim Kardashian posted a picture on Twitter of her and her friends with the caption, “Big Pimpin.’” Demi Moore responded by saying that we need to stop glorifying the pimp culture since pimp’s are really nothing more than slave owners. It’s hard to fault people for using a commonly usedRead more
Mar
30
2010
Aruna 5k run in Cincinnati
Emily Books & Resources, Survivor Stories, Trafficking News & Information 2
We are just full of great, hands on ways that you can help raise awareness about human trafficking and make an impact in the lives of survivors. In less than 2 weeks UC’s campus will be hosting the Aruna 5k run to raise money for the Aruna Project in Mumbai, India. The Aruna project helps rescue girls from the sex trade in Mumbai and offers them a life of freedom. Sign up now and run for their freedom! If you don’t want to run, you can sponsor me (Emily) to run. Send me an email at hello@stoptraffickfashion.com if you’re interested.
Mar
30
2010
A look at human trafficking in Cambodia
Emily Uncategorized 0
We just came across this great blog post on the Nomi Network blog about the plight of women trafficked into the sex industry in Cambodia. It’s written by a Sopheap Chak an activist who mobilizes young people through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change and is currently a graduate student of peace studies at the International University of Japan. Her post gives a great summary of the conditions of sex trafficking in Cambodia. The Nomi Network is an outstanding organization that works with partners in Cambodia to help design products and train women to produce products that are desirable inRead more
Mar
27
2010
Two ways to take action today
Emily Uncategorized 0
Today we have two easy ways for you to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. 1. Tell Congress to fund programs to help end human trafficking. In December of 2008 Congress voted to set aside millions of dollars to help survivors of trafficking and get traffickers off the street. However, none of the funds can be used until Congress passes the legislation to appropriate the funds. A simple click of your mouse can help send the message to Congress. If the people cry out and show the government that they are serious about this issue, they mustRead more
Mar
24
2010
News of a rescue from IJM
Emily Uncategorized 0
Breaking News Update Location: Chennai, India Date: March 12, 2010 Result: 13 slaves freed Dear Emily, Last Friday, IJM’s Chennai team rescued 13 children, women and men from slavery in a large rice mill. March 12, 2010: A family gathers their belongings to leave the rice mill during the rescue operation conducted by IJM and local authorities. Forced to live in tiny shacks within the compound, the slaves were desperate for release. One of the victims, Mukesh*, was suffering from tuberculosis and had been forbidden from leaving the mill for treatment. At rescue, he had not eaten for four days.Read more
Mar
23
2010
T-shirts are now available on-line!
Emily Partner Organization News, Product Information, STF News, Uncategorized 1
Thanks to everyone who attended our T-shirt launch party and benefit concert on Friday. It was a huge success – we had a great turnout, listened to some great music (by Artists & Authors, Flaregun, Laura Hellebusch and Kristen Budde), watched some fabulous art (by Arian & Daniel Armstrong) be created, and raised money for Hagar International! Our brand new line of T-shirts is now available online as well. Your purchase of a Freeset Tee from Stop Traffick Fashion helps continue a journey of freedom. In Kolkata, India, thousands of women are trapped in prostitution, forced there by poverty. TheRead more
Mar
20
2010
Voices of Hope
Melissa Uncategorized 1
They bartered for her body. Made an offer, set a price. She followed a hollow promise; now empty words bounce off like hail, leaving their damage behind. It’s a broken deal— severed trust. She is empty air. Lying on a cot in a dank corner, skin sweating, spirit frozen. She is a hollow body: ripped, torn, scarred. Swallowed in pain, feeling nothing. Her eyes no longer cry; her mouth no longer smiles. She is empty air— speaking. A phantom voice manifesting, now. Not quieting, telling a story, her story. Slowly steadily refusing to back down, she is clasping a hopeRead more
Mar
19
2010
Today’s the Day!
Melissa Product Information, Uncategorized 0
Stop Traffick Fashion will launch our new Freeset t-shirts tonight! Come to our party and benefit concert in Cincinnati, or watch the website this weekend for shirts. But first, a little more about Freeset… At its core Freeset is a business. It exists to make and sell products for profit. But it’s a business about loving people and working toward freedom. The money the bags and t-shirts generate goes to fair wages, health insurance, and pension funds. The bottom line is the more bags and shirts Freeset sells the more women it can employ. Your purchase really does have anRead more
Mar
18
2010
A Living Example of Freedom
Melissa Partner Organization News, Survivor Stories 0
Without a doubt, the most striking thing about Freeset is the women. It’s not the well-designed, eco-friendly products; it’s not the ex-pat staff; it’s not the unique focus and business structure. The women are what sets Freeset apart. They radiate freedom and hope to their community.
Mar
17
2010
A Day at Freeset
Melissa Partner Organization News, STF News, Survivor Stories 0
A day in the life of a Freeset woman starts early. Before work the women head to the markets to get the day’s food for their families. They make preparations for the day, then head to work. By 10am the ground floor courtyard at Freeset is packed with women in bright colored saris, some laughing and talking, others sitting quietly waiting for the day to begin. Once everyone is there (all 170+ women), a visiting minister or a staff person reads from the Bible and often offers their thoughts on the passage. (When I was there they read about MaryRead more