Soroptimist Fall District Workshop Moves to Stop Human Trafficking

On November 1, 2008 Soroptimist International of the Americas Camino Real Region held their annual Fall District Workshop that covered women’s issues with a “driving” twist. The day was jam-packed with activities and guest speakers who discussed health issues, self defense training and human sexual trafficking.  The event was hosted by Soroptimist International (SI) of Santa Clarita Valley in Valencia, California.  Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization of professional women whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.  As Governor of Camino Real Region I was very proud to take part in such a meaningful event.

What is Trafficking?

Human sexual trafficking is a big issue for Soroptimist because this is an issue that affects the lives of women and girls globally. The more awareness we create about sexual trafficking, the more we can do to prevent it. Trafficking differs from prostitution in that it includes coercion, deception and force. People are also trafficked for other commercial sexual exploitation and not just prostitution. Trafficking is a form of slavery because even if consent is attained, it is usually coerced by fraud, deception, or abuse. It is a crime and we must take action against it.

Estimates of up to four million people a year are forced into sexual slavery worldwide, 90 percent of who are women and girls. Many are taken into this type of slavery because of poverty, high unemployment rates, previous abuse, a desire to help their impoverished families, and discrimination.

What Can We Do?

At the Fall District Workshop, we premiered a short documentary about trafficking entitled “Stuck in Traffic,” written by the President of SI of Santa Clarita Valley, Terri Cadiente, a stunt woman who also performed in the film. The short film can be found on Terri’s website. Soroptimist encourages people to join the cause by helping communities and local clubs create awareness, advocacy and action to prevent the spread of sexual trafficking. It starts with education. Inform yourself and provide information and avenues for others to learn and help. For more information on how you can help stop trafficking, please visit the Soroptimist International of the Americas website at www.soroptimist.org