Teen Allies provides an opportunity for teen activists to make their voices heard by speaking out against trafficking and related issues.
THIS SECTION IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING BIG CHANGES! PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON FOR THE NEW TEEN ALLIES SECTION INCLUDING A DISCUSSION BOARD FOR TEENS INTERESTED IN COMBATING SEX TRAFFICKING.
Turning a Blind Eye to Trafficking
As a young female living in a male-dominated world, I must push myself three times harder than an average male because our society has taught us to act like second-class citizens. We rank lower than men not only in power but also in social class. Only 12 countries are led by women, and in the United States, not one woman of color has ever been a governor. Because men dominate our world, many countries choose to overlook the problem of sex trafficking of women and children.
Sex trafficking takes many different forms. One involves women who are promised a better life and work in a different country. Once they reach their destination country, they are forced to become prostitutes to pay back the debt they owe for the cost of bringing them into the country. These females are victims of false hope and dreams.
Children as young as six are involved in prostitution and sex trafficking. Some become involved to help bring food to the table because they are living in such horrible conditions. Some families sell their daughters to pimps because they, too, fall victims to false hope when they are promised that their daughter will receive a better life and a decent job. Most usually do not see their daughters again. Here is a quote from an eleven-year-old girl:
"I found myself dancing at a club at the age of 11... I have had different kinds of customers, foreigners and Filipinos. I tried suicide but it didn't work so I turned to drugs. I want to die before my next birthday."
Sex trafficking is a big issue, yet no one has taken a stand against this horrifying issue. We need to take a stand, raise our voices, and say no to sex trafficking. How many more women must fall into the trap of sex trafficking in order for us to help stop this rising issue? We need to stop turning our heads the other way and face this issue because this is something we can beat.
Lyndsay Hercule is high-school senior in Massachusetts. She is a lifelong activist in political, legal and humanitarian organizations, including Junior Statesment of America, Freedom's Answer, and Presidential Classroom, as well as Vote Run Lead, which urges young women to lead the country and become involved in politics. Lyndsay speaks Spanish, English, Creole and French, enjoys playing soccer and boxing, and intends to become a lawyer and politician.
