Part 2 of a 4-part series on Trafficking Prevention as part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Amina* grew up in poverty, like most girls in her slum. Many mornings, she woke up to gunfire in the streets. The electricity rarely worked and food was hard to find. Amina never had the opportunity to go to school, and without vocational skills, she would be vulnerable to being sold into a temporary slavery arrangement. Before coming to the She Is Safe-sponsored Women’s Training Center, Amina lived in fear of each coming day.
Now she wakes up excited to learn new things. She sees the new women at the training center and is filled with gratitude as she watches them learn vocational, basic health and literacy skills.
In only four months, Amina was able to master embroidery and sewing. Her hands run the needle through the loops quickly and confidently, but she says that her favorite part of the training is the Bible classes.
As she reads through the Bible with the other women, Amina pays attention to each word to improve her vocabulary. Amina is working hard so that soon her reading and writing skills will allow her to start training the other women.
Now Amina falls asleep in peace, despite the chaos outside. She is building a life of dignity and purpose, by God’s grace.
*She Is a Safe uses representative names and photos to preserve the dignity of those we serve.
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Mali
Issues:
- There are an estimated 110,000 slaves in Mali.
- Child marriage is a common form of slavery in Mali. UNESCO estimates that 55% of girls are married before they are 18.
- 7% of Malian women aged 15 to 49 have been subjected to female genital mutilation according to UNHCR. This practice is not only extremely dangerous physically, but is also a form of cultural slavery that devalues women.
Prayer need:
Mali still struggles with violent extremist groups and bandits throughout the country. And it continues to be a dangerous place for women and girls. Pray for the women who are gaining vocational skills as they learn about Christ.
Middle East
Issues:
- There are 2,178,100 people enslaved in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the most recent estimate.
- The number of Christians in the Middle East has plunged to just 10 percent of the overall population from more than 25 percent in 2011. Many are in danger of attack from growing extremist groups.
- Child trafficking is a continuing problem in the Middle East and North Africa. The USDOL reports that throughout the region there are an estimated 9.2 million children engaged in forced labor.
Prayer Need:
Pray for women and girls in danger of attack from extremists. Pray for Christian women we have equipped to shine their light to those around them, and bring God’s love to this volatile region.
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For National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, help prevent girls like Amina from being abused:
- Share Amina’s story with others
- Give a gift to She Is Safe and help equip thousands of girls in the highest risk places around the globe to build new lives.
Source: 2014 Global Slavery Index – Walk Free Foundation