Did you know men can play an active role in combatting trafficking? There is often an assumption that human trafficking is a woman’s issue. Because women and girls make up the majority of victims, we see why that is a generally held belief.
How Men Can Step In
We must talk about the important role men have in the fight against human trafficking. We live in a culture where trafficking slips under the radar and women and children suffer for it. Unfortunately, what we know for certain is that men make up the majority of perpetrators and buyers of sex trafficking. Trafficking affects all of us—it is a global issue that everyone, including men, can have a hand in stopping.
In fact, we need men who are willing to step up to this fight. Culture needs to shift away from viewing people as commodities that can be bought and sold for entertainment and pleasure. Instead, we should view them as human beings with inherent worth and dignity, worthy of love and respect. Unless this happens, it will be nearly impossible to make radical change and see an end to exploitation.
How to Be a Positive Influence in Your Community:
- Talk to other men about the danger of pornography, and how it has direct ties to human trafficking and often leads to buying sex
- Discourage your friends from viewing women as prizes to be won or conquered
- When you hear someone joking about objectifying women or violence against women, tell them it isn’t funny and discuss why it is a very real issue
- If someone you know goes to a strip club or suggests going, explain to them that strip clubs are often where victimization begins
- Join one of our Outreach teams!
If you are a man, choose to be one who is empowered to speak out about this issue and keep your friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances accountable in the way they treat and talk about women and sex. Our culture is sick and YOU have the power to change it, but you have to be willing. It starts with educating yourself and continues when you use your voice and influence for good.
Commit to Being a Culture Changer
Men can combat trafficking too. We need men to commit to changing the culture not because the women and children being exploited are “someone’s daughter” or “someone’s mother, sister, cousin, aunt, etc.” Do it because she is someone. Someone deserving of love, peace, and the human right to not be bought and sold. Commit to being a culture changer today and every day after.
Consider joining RAHAB in combatting human trafficking. There are several opportunities for men to volunteer. Visit our volunteer page to learn more. Me