The 5th annual National Human Trafficking Awareness Day was marked across the globe on Wednesday by organisations keen to bring this massive problem to the general public’s attention.
There are an estimated 27 million slaves in the world today, with three out of four being women. Based on last year’s figures, it is believed that in 2012, 800,000 people will be sex-trafficked; with 80 percent of those being women while 50 percent will be children.
One group in particular were so passionate about bringing attention to the problem of human trafficking, they even climbed a mountain together. As part of an Operation Mobilization initiative, 46 women from all over the world tackled Mt. Kilimanjaro in Kenya.
Known as the Freedom Climbers, none of these women were professional climbers but participated because some of them had been victims of sex trafficking and other human injustices and were keen to become a voice for the voiceless. Their climb was symbolic of the long and harsh journey that trafficking victim’s face.
"I talk to friends here in the States, and they say, ‘What can we do with such a huge problem?’" said Cathey Anderson, leader of The Freedom Climb. "I tell them, ‘We can all make a difference for one woman or child at a time! We can see freedom for them!’"
"Freedom for one woman will not only change her future but all the generations after her!," Anderson insisted. "We know we will not end slavery and human trafficking with this climb. We can, however, bring hope and an opportunity for freedom to women and children who currently have none."