Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, U.S.-Ontario Province
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Eliza beth Katleho Khang, SNJM, broadcasts about Human Trafficking from the radio station in Maseru.
Report for the SNJM Congregation on the Anti-Trafficking Survey
The Anti-Trafficking Survey was completed by Sisters and Associates in each SNJM province and sector in spring 2007. Below is a summary report of this survey: for your reading convenience, we have chosen a question and answer format. The complete summary of the survey can be found on the website: www.snjm.org/cong
. We are grateful to all who completed the survey. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of the Anti-Trafficking Committee survey members listed here: Joy Beauchamp, Lesley Sacouman and Mary Ondreyco.
1. What were some of the “key learnings” from this survey?
a. Four years after our SNJM Corporate Stand against Human Trafficking, there is still energy and interest for this issue throughout the congregation. In some areas, there are “SNJM catalyst” groups working in various regions/countries that call on broader SNJM community support when needed.
b. SNJM Sisters and Associates need to continue learning and teaching the skills of interdependence and coalition building, creating a web of partnerships, if we are to make progress on this issue.
c. It is difficult to identify trafficked victims and to provide services for trafficked survivors.
d. The legislative process in states, provinces and countries presents many challenges: once laws are passed there is a need for on-going monitoring of these anti-trafficking laws.
e. There are many resources available (in all languages) to continue the education process around human trafficking.
2. What are areas of future work for SNJMs on Human Trafficking?
a. Work collaboratively with other coalitions on educational programs, future actions and the development of services and safe houses for trafficked women and children.
b. Begin work on the Anti-Demand Campaign sponsored by UNANIMA International.
c. Include men in our anti-trafficking groups and network with religious communities of men in our respective areas about anti-trafficking education for their members and in their educational institutions and ministries.
d. Have the Anti-Trafficking Committee alert the SNJM congregation of more programs, films and videos in order to continue the educational process on Human Trafficking.
e. Form an educational justice network to share resources within our SNJM educational institutions.
f. Prepare educational activities before and during major sports events-World Cup, Olympics, Super Bowl, etc.
3. What are presently some of the projects/resource allocations/campaigns that work at the �root causes of Human Trafficking?
a. IPJC (Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center-Seattle) has developed shareholder resolutions and dialogues with hotels and businesses concerning the Code-Protecting Children from Trafficking and Prohibiting Child Labor.
b. Many sisters and associates are involved in ministries that help counter poverty, illiteracy and isolation that often lead to victimization.
c. UNANIMA International is developing educational materials for the Anti-Demand Campaign
d. Many SNJMs are committed to buying Fair Trade products.
e. SNJM Community Investment Committee (US/ON-CA) has helped to fund small business enterprises for women in developing countries.
f. We are engaged in many programs and educational activities that promote women's empowerment and self-esteem.
g. We are promoting the involvement of young women in anti-trafficking research, idea development and workshops.
b. Many sisters and associates are involved in ministries that help counter poverty, illiteracy and isolation that often lead to victimization.
c. UNANIMA International is developing educational materials for the Anti-Demand Campaign
d. Many SNJMs are committed to buying Fair Trade products.
e. SNJM Community Investment Committee (US/ON-CA) has helped to fund small business enterprises for women in developing countries.
f. We are engaged in many programs and educational activities that promote women's empowerment and self-esteem.
g. We are promoting the involvement of young women in anti-trafficking research, idea development and workshops.
4. In the survey, the responses given by sisters and associates in the following areas -Education, Legislation, Coalition Building, Resources, Services for Trafficked Survivors - are too numerous to list individually. Below are some of the highlights of these responses. A more detailed summary is listed on the snjm.org website.
Quebec: SNJMs participate in CATHII (Committee of Action against Human Trafficking Internally and Internationally). Presently, CATHII is exploring options for housing for trafficked survivors.
Lesotho: Our SNJM leadership and Justice Committee sponsored Anti-trafficking workshops for men and women religious.
Manitoba: Students at St. Mary's Academy created and performed the play “The Oldest Oppression” for other secondary schools and for the general public.
Brazil: A coalition of religious congregations is working to create “safe houses” and support services for trafficked survivors.
Peru: There is on-going work in many parishes on Violence Prevention within families.
U.S.-Ontario: New York State passed a comprehensive Anti-Trafficking law in June 2007. There is continuing education by the Windsor Committee Against Trafficking comprised of representatives of government and non-governmental organizations. Several sisters/associates volunteer at the Refugee Women's Alliance in Seattle. A Housing for Trafficked Survivors Workshop was held in Northern California.