If you have seen the movie Taken (2008), then you are probably familiar with the concept of human trafficking, at least from a cinematic point of view. You probably did not know that globally, according to the International Labor Organization, there is an estimated 4.5 million people captured and forced into sexual slavery or exploitation.
While that statistic might be jarring and terrifying, there are organizations out there that are dedicated to
putting an end to human trafficking and sexual slavery.
Enter in Equality Now: Not only is the organization dedicated to ending sex trafficking and slavery, but it is also dedicated to putting an end to female genital mutilation and sexual violence.
The organization was founded in 1992, and since then, it “has helped thousands of women and girls in our global campaign to ensure equality and opportunity.” The organization believes that most social changes begin with changing how the legal system works and conducts itself, which is why since its founding, it has dedicated itself to changing laws, influencing policies, and making sure governments are held accountable in its fight for equality on all fronts.
Equality Now states on its website, “When women and girls, men and boys are treated equally under the law, everyone wins.”
In taking action against the bigger equality issues of sex trafficking, female genital mutilation, and sexual violence, Equality Now is making many waves.
End Sex Trafficking
The way in which Equality Now is putting an end to sex trafficking is that it advocates for laws that would impact those who profit from the crime of sex trafficking, as well as those who supply and fuel the need for this type of industry. Equality Now states, “Holding buyers of commercial sex accountable reduces sex trafficking.”
The organization also supports grassroots organizations dedicated to ending sex trafficking in their respective countries.
End FGM
Equality Now states, “Female genital mutilation (FGM), which affects more than 200 million women and girls around the world, is a human rights violation deeply rooted in gender inequality and discrimination.” In its efforts to end this devastating problem (to learn more about FGM read our article here), Equality Now has been advocating and putting legal pressure to protect women and girls against this horrific act, as well as partnering with grassroots organizations dedicated to ending FGM in their own communities.
Not only that, but Equality Now is the co-founding partner of The Girl Generation, which is a campaign dedicated to social change that celebrates “the Africa-led movement to end FGM within a generation.”
End Sexual Violence
As with its other two programs, Equality Now legally advocates for laws that put an end to sexual violence affecting women and girls. It also has a program entitled Justice for Girls, which “targets girls’ unique challenges to keep them safe at home, at school, and in their communities.” The organization goes on to explain that it is the only international organization that has completely dedicated itself to using litigation and legal matters to help protect the legal rights of girls.
To become involved with Equality Now, you can take action, campaign, donate, and even attend a gala event. You can also shop for some items!
In a world that is often scary for women and girls to live in, it is a relief to know that there are organizations like Equality Now that dedicate themselves to ensuring we have the legal rights and protection we deserve.
Featured Image by SalTheColourGeek on Flickr
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
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