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Everyday Abolitionist is a recurring feature on the blog where we’ll hear firsthand from someone using their skills, talents, and opportunities to fight trafficking. This time around we have Lauren Ziegler. She traveled to Cambodia with Emily last year to see the work that Hagar International and other groups do there.

How did you find out about human trafficking? What did you know about it before you went to Cambodia?

I’ve always known about human trafficking from growing up learning about different atrocities, but having worked with Emily, my awareness of trafficking and its prevalence grew. I knew that it was still happening in many countries—including developed nations like the US. I also knew it was predominantly women and children who were trafficked and that there are many organizations working to combat it.

What did you do when you visited Cambodia?

In Phnom Penh, we went to several organizations working to fight human trafficking. I had no idea there were so many specialized partners involved along the way. From rescuing victims, to setting up work opportunities to get them back on their feet, to preventing rescued survivors from getting pulled into the vicious cycle of trafficking again—it was an incredibly eye opening experience. It takes a very close-knit group of NGOs and non-profit organizations to rescue and rehabilitate victims back into society with success.

What thing that you saw or learned stands out to you most?

When we were visiting Hagar a girl shared her rescue story with us that I’ll never forget. She brought tears to all of our eyes explaining to us the terrible conditions she faced as a victim of abuse after being sold by her mother to a family as a servant, yet her heart was still so filled with love, and she was genuinely happy to have been given another chance at living her dreams. Hagar works with women and children only, and they focus on setting up women with the right skill sets needed to take care of themselves and operate in society. Additionally, they ask about their interests to try and set them up with a job that they will enjoy and potential to improve and expand. This woman in particular was interested in working in the service industry, thus she was looking into a job working at the Hagar sponsored banquet hall as a server.

What advice or encouragement can you share with everyday abolitionists—people who are making small choices in their normal lives to stop slavery?

Keep it up! I strongly believe that every little bit helps, and the more you can raise awareness in others, the better our chances are at ending trafficking once and for all. I’d also encourage people to think outside of the box—similar to how Emily did in starting STF, merging her passions for people and fashion. You may not be able to quit your job and go to work for an NGO, but you could raise awareness to others to be more conscious of the products you buy and who benefits from these. Raising awareness is as simple as sending an email, having a conversation, or even posting an article via social media sites. Silence fuels the fire—speak up!

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