An Ambitious Mission: Protecting Girls from Human Trafficking
(Photo: One by One)
As the world observes International Women’s Day, an international charity has made a commitment to safeguard 100,000 girls globally from the perils of human trafficking and modern slavery.
One by One, a charity dedicated to saving vulnerable individuals, has marked this day by announcing its ambitious goal. Their Dignity Project, an initiative that intertwines menstrual health support with critical education on personal safety and trafficking, has already impacted 50,000 girls.
Established a decade ago, the Dignity Project provides reusable sanitary products and empowers girls with the knowledge to recognize and resist the tactics employed by traffickers. This initiative was spurred by concerning reports of children disappearing near the charity’s Kenyan offices.
It was discovered that missing school due to period poverty made girls more susceptible to exploitation. By tackling these issues, the charity believes it is enabling more girls to stay in school and avoid potential dangers.
Since its conception in the UK Parliament, the program has expanded to 14 countries, including Brazil, Sierra Leone, and India, reaching diverse locations such as schools, churches, prisons, and refugee camps. It also includes programs for Afghan women affected by Taliban rule.
In the UK, schools have hosted training sessions focused on awareness of exploitation and advocating for safety and education. In Uganda, a 19% rise in school attendance was recorded following Dignity Project events, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in reducing trafficking risks.
Becky Murray, the founder and CEO of One By One, sees International Women’s Day as a moment to both celebrate achievements and shine a light on girls who still face unseen challenges. “Every reusable pad gifted via the Dignity Project and every lesson taught is a step towards breaking the chains of shame, fear and exploitation,” she remarked.
Murray is hopeful about doubling the charity’s impact, aiming to reach 100,000 girls in half the time it took to reach the first 50,000. She expressed gratitude for the support from churches, supporters, and businesses that have bolstered their mission.
Beyond prevention, the charity is involved in rehabilitation efforts for trafficking survivors. In Uganda, the Mercy Centre offers residential support for trafficked girls, and in Kenya, the King’s Centre provides education, welfare, and family reintegration services.
In Pakistan, outreach programs assist children working in brick factories, offering a safe haven for those liberated from bonded labor.
Becky Murray has taken the campaign against trafficking to political arenas, sharing the initiative with leaders at the White House and 10 Downing Street, with support from figures like former UK Prime Minister Theresa May.
One By One aims to combat trafficking through preventive measures, emphasizing education and awareness. “Our message is clear: no price can ever be put on the head of these girls,” Murray stated, underscoring the intrinsic worth of each girl. “We have met many girls who have been through horrendous situations – the training shows that their bodies are their own and they can say no.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
