As an activist and writer, one who focuses on issues that face children, but with a passion and concentration on modern day slavery, I live and work in a world that is full of stories of the worlds most heinous and shocking crimes against humanity. Often I am asked how do you do it…how do you cope with the terrors of such violence. Well first of all I am one of the lucky ones for the true heroes and ones to commend are those who live daily in the face of such violence and trauma. However, it is true that working with survivors, researching and studying such violent trauma and the pressures to create change and assist those in need, surely takes its toll. Nonetheless the stresses that come with such work, for myself, and anyone working in the field, are quickly overcome by the stories of empowerment, hope, success and often just inspiring another to work for change.
As the Founder and Executive Director of a newly established non-profit dedicated to the fight against modern slavery, one of my biggest joys comes from creating change. I am lucky to have the opportunity to speak to people everyday about ‘my cause’ and share with them how they can make an impact and create change. Recently I was asked to speak at a High School for National Global Human Trafficking Awareness Day, however the highlight was not having the opportunity to speak to a group of students, but the fact that my young mentee was actually the one responsible for organizing the event. Watching someone so young and so passionate, gives me endless hope for the future of the movement. Of course while the whole room of students was not enthralled into listening to my presentation, a handful were beyond inquisitive, and their questions and comments, left me unable to do anything other than smile as they were both passionate and aware.
As a person who has work with countless young people, I am never dismayed to the power of youth to both create change and empower it. Therefore when I came across the following, Independent Investigation – Transcript of an interview with Ina, a victim of human trafficking in India, on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which was conducted by Phoebe Lewis (aged 13). Phoebe’s father, Gary Lewis, is the Representative of the UNODC Regional Office, South Asia, New Delhi, India. Now while one may look and think Phoebe is at an advantage due to her fathers position, I must state that the decision and ability to work directly with survivors of any form of trauma is not an easy path and at 13 years-old to take an active role in a cause one feels such passion for is nothing less than commendable and a role more and more young people should be commended for. Therefore regardless of the action taken, be it speaking at school, holding a fundraiser, etc., the youth of today can make a lasting difference in the fight against modern slavery, and any cause, so listen up they may teach you something!
