Making a Difference

I have spent a lot of time since Nelson Mandela's passing on December 5th, thinking about him and his life.  It's one thing to view his life from the outside but it's totally another, viewing it from his perspective.  What would it be like to be Nelson Mandela?  To be the person, seeing the oppression of his people and not just acknowledging it, but doing something about it.  Not just speaking about justice but being willing to go to prison for 27 years for it.  Not just preaching forgiveness and reconciliation but practicing it.  Not just talking about making a difference, but changing South Africa.  May he rest in peace.

My Condolences

Yesterday while in Winnipeg, I took a moment in my long and busy day to do something I've never taken the time to do before.  I stopped at the Manitoba Legislature Buildings and signed the book of condolences for Nelson Mandela.  My thoughts and prayers continue to go out for the Mandela family and the beautiful people of South Africa.  I have never known the injustice that so many South Africans have experienced and it is my hope that they will continue to strive for Nelson Mandela's vision of a Rainbow Nation where justice reigns no matter race, religion, sex or age.  That in the generations to come, their children can live in a truly free South Africa and fondly remember a great man in Nelson Mandela who fought for their freedom.

Long Road to Freedom

"I have walked that long road to freedom.

I have tried not to falter;

I have made missteps along the way.

But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill,

one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.

I have taken a moment here to rest,

to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me,

to look back on the distance I have come.

But I can only rest for a moment,

for with freedom come responsibilities,

and I dare not linger,

for my long walk is not ended."

~Nelson Mandela

December 10th

How appropriate it is that the world should gather today to celebrate Nelson Mandela's life - not only is it Human Rights Day (honoring the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights - 1948), but it also marks the 20th anniversary of Mandela receiving the Nobel Peace Prize (1993) and the day that Mandela signed South Africa's constitution into law (1996).  I along with many others in Canada, woke up in the middle of the night to bear witness to today's memorial.  That the sky opened up and shared its grief as teardrops from heaven just seemed fitting.  The world has truly lost a hero and it is now up to us to be his voice and to share his legacy.  Ralph Waldo Emerson said it well when he said:

"To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better,

whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded."

How many of us will be able to say that we left this world even a little bit better?  Certainly Nelson Mandela can, and it's not just "a bit" better - he changed South Africa and in so doing, he changed the world.  And he did it one person at a time, starting with himself.  May it be so with us.

The Most Powerful Weapon

South African Sports Goes On

It is fitting that in the time between Nelson Mandela's passing and the funeral, South African sports continue - uniting the country just as they did years ago.  Go to:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/rugby-team-huddles-in-mandelas-stadium-then-wins-as-south-african-sport-goes-on-234891461.html

"I led my sheep from behind."

Free the Children and We Day co-founder Marc Kielburger shared about a brief encounter he had with Nelson Mandela in the following Winnipeg Free Press article:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/we-day-co-founder-reflects-234712741.html

I love the part that says:

"He [Nelson Mandela] said, 'I led my sheep from behind,' " said Kielburger. "He talked about being a shepherd. It wasn't about him, it was about the larger issues -- he wasn't trying to be out front, to be a symbol."

True leadership, in its best form, is about service and humility - something we really lack in today's world - something seen in Jesus as he washed the disciples' feet.

"If I then, your Lord and Teacher,

have washed your feet,

you also ought to wash one another's feet.

For I have given you an example,

that you also should do just as I have done to you."

John 13: 14 & 15

Mandela Lives

New York Times - Nicholas Kristof - Mandela Lives:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/05/mandela-lives/?_r=0

To My South African Friends. . .

. . .my heart breaks with and for you today as you mourn the loss of Nelson Mandela, your leader, inspiration, and friend.  The world has lost a hero today in the truest sense of the word, as Nelson Mandela was a humanitarian - a human - to the core.  Now it is your turn to share the hope that he carried for your nation and extend it to your neighbors as you go from here, living in a world without him.  I miss you all and will be praying for you - know that part of my heart will always remain in South Africa!

CNN: Technology Aids Human Trafficking

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

CNN: How Did Women's Captivity Go Unnoticed?

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

CNN: How Does Modern Slavery Happen in London?

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

CNN: I was a Modern-Day Slave in America

A powerful reminder that slavery in not something that just happens in other countries to other people:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/11/21/i-was-a-modern-day-slave-in-america

The Living Room

Check out this fun video about decorating your living room, fair trade style by Ten Thousand Villages:

www.tenthousandvillages.ca/about/the_living_room

CNN: A Goat, a Pig & Saving Children from Slavery in Nepal

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Stop Webcam Child Sex Tourism

I read the following article in the Winnipeg Free Press today and it led me to the following video.  Please take the time to watch the entire video and add your name to the petition.

www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/dozens-of-canadians-willing-to-pay-for-web-sex-with-virtual-10-year-old-girl-230529381.html

www.youtube.com/sweetie

Kids Pimping Kids

A heart-breaking article about kids pimping kids in Indonesia using social media from the Winnipeg Free Press:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/kids-pimp-kids-out-for-sex-in-indonesia-with-help-of-social-media--229817341.html

Saudi Women Becoming a 'Driving' Force

It's hard to believe that there are still places in the world where women must be in the company of a male at all times and that they cannot obtain a driver's license simply because they are women (because apparently, according to a prominent cleric, "medical studies show that driving a car harms a woman's ovaries").

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/driving-video-posted-online-as-campaign-urging-saudi-women-to-get-behind-the-wheel-kicks-off-229370981.html

CNN: Why Brazil Leads the World in Fighting Slavery

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

CNN: Two Years Trapped in U.S. Sex Slavery

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

CNN: I Was Trafficked by my Boyfriend

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

CNN: 'Do You Love Me?'

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

www.sophiehayesfoundation.org

Africa's First World Problems - and Opportunities

Josh Ruxin writes about Africa's First World Problems - and Opportunities in light of the Westgate Mall tragedy in Nairobi:

kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/18/africas-first-world-problems-and-opportunities

CTV: Anti-Sex Trade Campaign Sparks Anger

Check out this CTV news clip from Edmonton and then go to the website behind the ad campaign:

www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1026073&binId=1.810401&playlistPageNum=1

stoptraffic.ca

CNN: India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria on Slavery's List of Shame, says Report

Click on the link to get to CNN's article India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria on Slavery's List of Shame, says Report:

edition.cnn.com/2013/10/17/world/global-slavery-index/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

From the Streets to the 'World's Best Mom'

Nicholas Kristof points the spotlight on sex trafficking at home in U.S.  Check out his article:

www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/opinion/sunday/kristof-from-the-streets-to-worlds-best-mom.html?src=twr&_r=2&

International Day of the Girl

www.becauseiamagirl.ca

Kevin ~ Invisible People

Even though Kevin is not sure about his future, it seems that he has great potential.  You can see that he speaks from his heart and he's very honest about his life and the experiences he has had.  I certainly don't wish homelessness on anyone, but hearing him speak makes me wish that some teenagers I know would not feel so entitled and consider how blessed they truly are.

invisiblepeople.tv/blog

A Way of Life is Ending. Thank Goodness.

There's still so much work to do regarding poverty, but Nicholas Kristof of the NY Times takes a look at just how far we've come in A Way of Life Ending.  Thank Goodness.

www.nytimes.com/2013/09/29/opinion/sunday/kristof-a-way-of-life-is-ending-thank-goodness.html?ref=nicholasdkristof&_r=1&

Carrotmob

I learned something new about fair trade this weekend - it's called a carrotmob.  Fair Trade Manitoba explains it well at:

fairtrademanitoba.ca/campaigns/carrotmob

Kudos to Jonnies Sticky Buns - I'll be stopping by the next time I'm in Winnipeg!

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/scene/carrotmob-rewards-jonnies-sticky-buns-for-going-fair-trade-1.1869990

CNN: Every Day in Cambodia

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

The Boy Who Stood Up to Syrian Justice

Please read Nicholas Kristof's NY Times article The Boy Who Stood Up to Syrian Justice:

www.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/opinion/sunday/the-boy-who-stood-up-to-syrian-injustice.html?ref=opinion&_r=1&

CNN: Exploited Boys are too Often Failed

It is not only young girls who are targeted for sexual exploitation - boys are also affected and often overlooked in this discussion.  Check out the CNN article Exploited boys are too often failed:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/09/18/exploited-boys-are-too-often-failed

A Feel-Good Story

A great story to start the week from the Winnipeg Free Press: 13-year old Indian girls enrolls in microbiology masters after father sells land for tuition.

www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/13-year-old-indian-girl-enrolls-in-microbiology-masters-after-father-sells-land-for-tuition-223883941.html

CNN: One Small Shoe

Fifty years ago today, 4 girls died when a bomb exploded at 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.  Please click on the link to view the pictures and read the powerful article One small shoe:  A legacy of the Birmingham church bombing:

www.cnn.com/2013/09/12/opinion/clark-patterson-birmingham-bombings/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn

8 Year Old Girls Should be Playing House

This article came to my inbox via the organization [free-them] (www.freethem.ca).  You have to wonder about humanity when an 8 year old girl, who physically cannot bear a baby even if her body could handle sex (which it can't), is married off by her parents, those entrusted to care for her, to a man 5 times her age.  Eight year old girls should be playing house, not starting a real household!  Read the article and then click on the walkfree.org link to call on the Yemeni government to ban forced child marriage.

www.albawaba.com/editorchoice/yemen-child-marriage-human-rights-519066?utm_source=This%20is%20why%20-%208%20year%20old%20dies%20&utm_campaign=freedom%20walk&utm_medium=email

e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1786&ea.campaign.id=22709&forwarded=true

CNN: Where Have India's Females Gone?

Please check out the CNN articles and video Where have India's females gone?:

www.cnn.com/2013/09/11/opinion/india-missing-females/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn

The Domestic Labor and Sex Trafficking of Homeless Youth

Another great article and video from Invisible People - The Domestic Labor and Sex Trafficking of Homeless Youth:

invisiblepeople.tv/blog/2013/09/the-domestic-labor-and-sex-trafficking-of-homeless-youth/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InvisiblePeople+%28invisiblepeople.tv%29

What Would Jesus Do to Help Homeless Youth?

A great article and video on Invisible People about faith-based organizations and how they help (and don't help) the homeless:

invisiblepeople.tv/blog/2013/09/what-would-jesus-do-to-help-homeless-youth/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InvisiblePeople+%28invisiblepeople.tv%29

12 Years a Slave

in theatres October 18th

12yearsaslave.com

Nigeria's Child Brides

A heart-breaking and eye-opening article from The Guardian - Nigeria's child brides: 'I thought being in labour would never end':

www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/sep/02/nigeria-child-brides-religion

International Children's Peace Prize

Congratulations to 16-year old Malala Yousafzai on receiving the International Children's Peace Prize today!  Her story and her spirit are incredibly inspiring.  Read more about her and the prize at:

www.kidsrights.org/News/tabid/121/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/100/KidsRights-International-Childrens-Peace-Prize-2013-awarded-to-Malala-Yousafzai.aspx

CNN: Legal Prostitution Condones Humiliation of Women

Check out this CNN article by Lauren Hersh called Legal prostitution condones humiliation of women:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/09/02/legal-prostitution-condones-humiliation-on-women

50 Years Ago Today. . .

Fifty years ago on August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream Speech" in Washington, D.C.  Check out the Winnipeg Free Press article Fifty years later, Martin Luther King's dream is a glass half-full:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/the-day-the-tide-turned-220914211.html

Change Happens Best From Within

MEDA - Change Happens Best From Within from MEDA on Vimeo.

Walk Free

If you believe in a world where everyone can walk free,

click on the link below to get more information:

e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1786&ea.campaign.id=19144

Child labour can't be carpeted over by a logo, but it's a step in the right direction

I think my blog should be dedicated to my friend Teresa. . .she sends me so many great articles and information!  Thanks Teresa!  Check out another The Guardian article, this time by Oliver Balch:

www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/aug/15/child-labour-product-certification

CNN: Slave Maids Cost the Price of a Smart Phone

"If you ask young people what they could get for U.S. $200 or less, their answers would probably include a tablet, a smart phone, or a designer bag. Not on the list, a foreign maid - unless you live in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, or any country in the Middle East."

If you want to continue reading what Susan V. Ople has to say about Slave Maids Cost the Price of  a Smart Phone, click on the link:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/08/09/slave-maids-cost-the-price-of-a-smart-phone

CNN: Rescued Children Shouldn't be in Handcuffs

Please read the CNN article Rescued Children Shouldn't be in Handcuffs:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/08/08/rescued-children-shouldnt-be-in-handcuffs

Hunger & Climate Change

www.foodgrainsbank.ca

Loved ~ JJ Heller

Do you dream of a home you never had?
An innocence that you cannot get back
The pain is real, you can’t erase it
Sooner or later you have to face it down, down
You have to face it down

You are loved

Do you keep your thoughts inside your head?
Will you regret the things you never said
You have a voice, you have to use it
You have a choice, don’t let them shut you down, down
Don’t let them shut you down

You are loved
You are loved

Do you feel the ache inside your soul?
You know you’ll never make it on your own
Sorrow is too great for you to hold it
You’re gonna break, why don’t you lay it down?

Freedom comes in letting go
Open up the window to your heart
Freedom comes in letting go
Open up your heart

You are loved
You are loved

www.jjheller.com

CNN: Sex Ring Sting Doesn't Go Far Enough

. . .continuing discussion and dialogue on the FBI's sting operation from last week.  Check out this great article and the videos included:

edition.cnn.com/2013/07/31/opinion/finkelhor-child-prostitution/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn

How Poverty Wages for Tea Pickers Fuel India's Trade in Child Slavery

Gethin Chamberlain wrote the article that I last posted so I thought I would check out some of his other articles.  Please check out:

www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/20/poverty-tea-pickers-india-child-slavery

Admit it. You love cheap clothes. And you don't care about child slave labour

My friend Teresa comes through again - check out this article:  Admit it. You love cheap clothes. And you don't care about child slave labour

www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/28/india-sweated-labour

continuing from yesterday's post ~ CNN coverage

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

FBI Rescues 105 Kids Forced into Sex Trade After Raids in 76 Cities

Please check out the article and video on CTV about the FBI rescuing 105 kids forced into the sex trade after raids in 76 cities:

www.ctvnews.ca/world/fbi-rescues-105-kids-forced-into-sex-trade-after-raids-in-76-cities-1.1388990

and from the Winnipeg Free Press:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/fbi-kids-rescued-alleged-pimps-arrested--in-sweeping-child-prostitution-raids-across-the-us-217461921.html

Protecting Children from Exposure to Adult Content Online

Press Release

7/23/2013

On Monday, British Prime Minister David Cameron announced new measures that their government was taking to protect children. Prime Minister Cameron emphasized the two primary aims of these measures: to protect children from exposure to adult pornography through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) based filter and to tackle the magnitude of child sex abuse images online.

I applaud Prime Minister Cameron for his bold approach to work with Internet Service Providers to develop solutions to protect children. In this massive fight against child exploitation and the sexualisation of our children, every step we take makes a difference.

Harmful impact of pornography on children

Eliminating the easy access to pornography by children should be a common sense approach. There is much research that reveals the harmful implications of youth who are exposed to pornography. (It is shocking that the average age of first exposure to pornography is 12 years old.) For example, viewing of pornography is seen as a causative factor in child on child sexual abuse. Additionally, recent studies reveal that regular viewing of pornography can actually rewire the brain. For children, who are in a critical stage of physical development, this is alarming and can carry long term negative consequences.

Addressing Censorship

However, since expressing my support for Britain’s plan, I have been astounded at the immediate, uniformed accusations of censorship, anti-freedom, government surveillance made by people who have not taken time to actually understand the issues being addressed and the solutions being proposed.

The purpose of the ISP based filter on adult pornography is not to block or censor pornography from adults, but to block it from children. Accusations of censorship are as ludicrous as suggesting that prohibiting the sale of adult videos to children is censorship.

Anyone over 18 in the UK would still have full control or their access to legal pornography. British ISPs have developed a filter to block legal adult pornography and this will be applied to all customers unless they choose to turn it off. And turning it off will be as simple as logging into your ISP account and unchecking a box.

Some have also pointed out that home based filters are available. Indeed they are, but the software is only effective on the computers they are installed on. In an age of wireless home networks, when many children have smartphones, and friends with smartphones, having an anti-pornography filter installed on your home computer is useless.

Government Partnership - Not Regulation

The UK’s plan has also been characterized as an example of big government intruding on industry. Rather than imposing regulations on the ISP’s, the filter was a product of consultation and partnership between the government and UK’s biggest ISPs to develop a means of protecting children from being exposed to adult content on line. That is what I would like to see in Canada: partnership and consultation between the federal government, internet service providers, and stakeholders. It is a conversation truly worth having.

I firmly believe in protecting rights and freedoms, democracy and open internet. As Prime Minister David Cameron rightly pointed out, “A free and open internet is vital …But when it comes to the internet in the balance between freedom and responsibility, we have neglected our responsibility to our children.”

Surely, unchecking a box cannot be too much of a price to pay when it comes to protecting and nurturing our children.

Joy Smith, B.Ed., M.Ed.

Member of Parliament

Kildonan - St. Paul

Joseph ~ Invisible People

invisiblepeople.tv/blog/2013/07/joesph-homeless-blind-san-diego/?autoplay=1

CNN: Cyber-Sex Trafficking: A 21st Century Scourge

Please take the time to read the CNN article Cyber-Sex Trafficking:  A 21st Century Scourge and view the videos included on the page:

us.cnn.com/2013/07/17/world/asia/philippines-cybersex-trafficking/index.html

Redeemed ~ Big Daddy Weave

Seems like all I could see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me "son
Stop fighting a fight it's already been won"

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be
I am redeemed, I'm redeemed

All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head"
I remember, oh God, You're not done with me yet

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be

Because I don't have to be the old man inside of me
'Cause his day is long dead and gone
Because I've got a new name, a new life, I'm not the same
And a hope that will carry me home

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, 'cause I'm not who I used to be

I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, yeah, I'm not who I used to be
Oh, God, I'm not who I used to be
Jesus, I'm not who I used to be
'Cause I am redeemed
Thank God, redeemed

Mandela Day

www.facebook.com/TESConnect

CNN: Fighting Forced Labor Helps Women Beat Poverty

Check out the following CNN article Fighting Forced Labor Helps Women Beat Poverty:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/15/fighting-forced-labor-helps-women-beat-poverty

Bono at NAACP Awards 2007

www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6P6v4bNxJQ

Tesh & Brae Day

teshandbraeday.blogspot.ca

Malala Day at the U.N.

Malala Day was celebrated today at the U.N. on Malala's 16th birthday.  Grab some kleenex and listen to her powerful words.  It may just be me, but I think we're going to see more of this young woman in years to come.  Thank you for using your voice and breaking the silence Malala!

winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=964103&playlistId=1.1364324&binId=1.1164782&playlistPageNum=1

In the name of God, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful.

Honourable UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon, Respected President General Assembly Vuk Jeremic, Honourable UN envoy for Global education Mr Gordon Brown, Respected elders and my dear brothers and sisters; Today, it is an honour for me to be speaking again after a long time.

Being here with such honourable people is a great moment in my life and it is an honour for me because today I am wearing a shawl of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed.

I don't know where to begin my speech. I don't know what people would be expecting me to say. But first of all, thank you to God for whom we all are equal and thank you to every person who has prayed for my fast recovery and a new life. I cannot believe how much love people have shown me. I have received thousands of good wish cards and gifts from all over the world. Thank you to all of them. Thank you to the children whose innocent words encouraged me. Thank you to my elders whose prayers strengthened me.

I would like to thank my nurses, doctors and all of the staff of the hospitals in Pakistan and the UK and the UAE government who have helped me get better and recover my strength. I fully support Mr Ban Ki-moon the Secretary-General in his Global Education First Initiative and the work of the UN Special Envoy Mr Gordon Brown. And the respected President of the General Assembly Vuk Jeremic. I thank all of them for the leadership they continue to give. They continue to inspire all of us to action.

Dear brothers and sisters, do remember one thing.

Malala Day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who have raised their voice for their rights. There are hundreds of human rights activists and social workers who are not only speaking for their rights, but who are struggling to achieve their goal of peace, education, and equality. Thousands of people have been killed by the terrorists and millions have been injured. I am just one of them.

So here I stand... one girl among many. I speak - not for myself, but so those without voice can be heard. Those who have fought for their rights: Their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated.

Dear friends, on the 9th of October 2012, the Taliban shot me on the left side of my forehead. They shot my friends too. They thought that the bullets would silence us. But they failed. And out of that silence came thousands of voices. The terrorists thought that they would change my aims and stop my ambitions but nothing changed in my life except this - weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born.

I am the same Malala. My ambitions are the same. My hopes are the same and my dreams are the same.

Dear sisters and brothers, I am not against anyone. Neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorist group. I am here to speak up for the right of education of every child. I want education for the sons and daughters of the Taliban and all the terrorists and extremists.

I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Even if there is a gun in my hand and he stands in front of me, I would not shoot him. This is the compassion that I have learnt from Muhammad, the prophet of mercy and Jesus Christ and Lord Buddha. This is the legacy of change that I have inherited from Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This is the philosophy of non-violence that I have learnt from Gandhi Jee, Bacha Khan and Mother Teresa. And this is the forgiveness that I have learnt from my father and from my mother. This is what my soul is telling me - be peaceful and love everyone.

Dear sisters and brothers, we realise the importance of light when we see darkness. We realise the importance of our voice when we are silenced. In the same way, when we were in Swat, in the north of Pakistan, we realised the importance of pens and books when we saw the guns.

The wise saying, 'The pen is mightier than sword' was true. The extremists were and they are afraid of books and pens. The power of education... frightens them. They are afraid of women. The power of the voice of women frightens them. And that is why they killed 14 innocent students in the recent attack in Quetta. And that is why they killed female teachers and polio workers in Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa. That is why they are blasting schools every day. Because they were and they are afraid of change, afraid of the equality that we will bring into our society.

I remember that there was a boy in our school who was asked by a journalist, 'Why are the Taliban against education?' He answered very simply, by pointing to his book, he said: 'A Talib doesn't know what is written inside this book'. They think that God is a tiny, little conservative being who would send girls to the hell just because of going to school. The terrorists are mis-using the name of Islam and Pashtun society for their own personal benefits.

Pakistan is peace-loving democratic country. Pashtuns want education for their daughters and sons. And Islam is a religion of peace, humanity and brotherhood. Islam says it's not only each child's right to get education, rather it is their duty and responsibility.

Honourable Secretary-General, peace is necessary for education. In many parts of the world, especially Pakistan and Afghanistan, terrorism, wars and conflicts stop children to go to their schools. We are really tired of these wars. Women and children are suffering in many parts of the world in many ways. In India, innocent and poor children are victims of child labour. Many schools have been destroyed in Nigeria. People in Afghanistan have been affected by the hurdles of extremism for decades. Young girls have to do domestic child labour and are forced to get married at early age. Poverty, ignorance, injustice, racism and the deprivation of basic rights are the main problems faced by both men and women.

Dear fellows, today I am focusing on women's rights and girls' education because they are suffering the most. There was a time when women social activists asked men to stand up for their rights. But, this time, we will do it by ourselves. I am not telling men to step away from speaking for women's rights, rather I am focusing on women to be independent to fight for themselves.

Dear sisters and brothers, now it's time to speak up.

So today, we call upon the world leaders to change their strategic policies in favour of peace and prosperity.

We call upon the world leaders that all the peace deals must protect women and children's rights. A deal that goes against the rights of women is unacceptable.

We call upon all the governments to ensure free, compulsory education all over the world for every child.

We call upon all the governments to fight against terrorism and violence, to protect children from brutality and harm.

We call upon the developed nations to support the expansion of educational opportunities for girls in the developing world.

We call upon all the communities to be tolerant - to reject prejudice based on cast, creed, sect, colour, religion or gender. To ensure freedom and equality for women so that they can flourish. We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.

We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave - to embrace the strength within themselves and realise their full potential.

Dear brothers and sisters, we want schools and education for every child's bright future. We will continue our journey to our destination of peace and education. No one can stop us. We will speak for our rights and we will bring change through our voice. We believe in the power and the strength of our words. Our words can change the world.

Because we are all together, united for the cause of education. And if we want to achieve our goal, then let us empower ourselves with the weapon of knowledge and let us shield ourselves with unity and togetherness.

Dear brothers and sisters, we must not forget that millions of people are suffering from poverty, injustice and ignorance. We must not forget that millions of children are out of schools. We must not forget that our sisters and brothers are waiting for a bright peaceful future.

So let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons.

One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world.

Education is the only solution. Education first.

www.asianimage.co.uk/news/world/10546106.Malala_s_full_speech_to_the_UN

Rights Around Us

I highly recommend that you check out the 'Rights Around Us' tour through the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.  It's free and it happens Wednesdays to Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., until August 31.  The tour runs for about 1 hour and begins as the Via Rail Union Station in Winnipeg, as the museum is still being built.  There is a little walking involved as you make your way from the train station past the museum to the Provencher Bridge and back.  The guides, Brigitte and Javier, did a tremendous job, discussing human rights in a local context while talking about the museum's construction and meaning.  More information at:

museumforhumanrights.ca/programs-and-events/programs/2013-summer-tours

CNN: Child Miners Face Death for Tech

Another good CNN article to check out - Child Miners Face Death for Tech:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/26/child-miners-face-death-for-tech

CNN: Black E-Economy Hiding Traffickers' Profits

Check out the CNN article Black E-Economy Hiding Traffickers' Profits:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/26/black-e-economy-hiding-traffickers-profits

You are more beautiful than you think

For more information & videos, go to dove.com/realbeautysketches

CNN: Vulnerable Targeted by Traffickers

 

www.cnn.com/2013/06/19/opinion/fedotov-human-trafficking/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn

CNN: Fighting Sex Trafficking in the U.S.

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

CNN: Blurred Clue to Saving Girl

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

ALWAYS REMEMBER

ALWAYS REMEMBER,
when God made you He did so with a purpose and a plan.
He saw all your days before you lived one of them
and placed over you the covering of His protective love.
He has allowed nothing to come into your life
that has not first been screened through that love.

He calls you by name.
You are His beloved child. . .the apple of His eye. . .the delight of His heart.

His hand has remained upon you to this very day.
He will be with you as He has always been -
in goodness, in kindness, in faithfulness, and in love.

~Roy Lessin

No Child Should Ever Be For Sale

Check out more about World Vision's No Child For Sale campaign at nochildforsale.ca and consider signing the petition to the Canadian government.

Be the Difference: Jonathan Huang

www.freedom-summit.org/2013

be aware

be disturbed

be educated

be active

be committed

be a fighter

be a leader

be a visionary

be a defender

be an advocate

be a missionary

be a believer

be a protector

be a hero

be an abolitionish

be the difference

Survivor Stories

Last week I blogged about a CNN article entitled Victim's Plea:  Change New York Law, Charge the Traffickers.  There was a link to a website called Equality Now - Survivor Stories.  I dare you to clink on the link and hear the stories first hand:

www.equalitynow.org/survivorstories/ruth_janelle_lowyal_veronica

Permitting Prostitution

With the spotlight back on Canada's prostitution laws, please check out this clip from ListenUp TV (now Context with Lorna Dueck) or click on the link to view the entire show.

 www.contextwithlornadueck.com/episodes/legalized-prostitution-in-canada

IJM: 273 People Rescued from Brick Kilns

IJM (International Justice Mission) published an article last week:  273 people rescued from brick kilns.  Read the remarkable story (which happened June 10 and was published June 11) of their second-largest rescue operation.

www.ijm.ca/news/News/548

Taught to Be Worthless

Gina Reiss-Wilchins is the executive director of Somaly Mam Foundation.  Check out her article Taught to Be Worthless:

www.huffingtonpost.com/gina-reisswilchins/taught-to-be-worthless_b_3398612.html

Youth Day ~ South Africa

Today's post is for all my South African friends celebrating Youth Day and remembering the Soweto Uprising of June 16, 1976.  It is also a time to remember and pray for Nelson Mandela - an exemplary visionary and an extraordinary human being.  He wrote: "As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison."  Profound words to lead a broken country out of apartheid and words that can still inspire us today.

www.cnn.com/2013/06/14/opinion/bilchik-nelson-mandela/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn

CNN: Striking Out to Combat Slavery

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Real Equality for Women Does Not Promote Prostituti​on and Sexual Exploitati​on

I just received this email in my inbox:

STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 14, 2013

Real Equality for Women Does Not Promote Prostitution and Sexual Exploitation

Ottawa, ON - Today the Supreme Court of Canada will hear from fourteen interveners as it considers a landmark case on the laws surrounding prostitution. It is notable then, that in Attorney General of Canada, et al. v. Terri Jean Bedford, et al., many of the interveners are women's advocacy organizations that are directly opposed to the legalization of prostitution.

The Women's Coalition for the Abolition of Prostitution represents seven organizations that have found that women's equality has decreased when prostitution is legalized. For example, the Native Women's Association of Canada has emphasized that "It is an issue for all women who support equality. As long as Aboriginal women and girls are bought and sold in prostitution, Aboriginal women will never have equality."

Similarly, the Government of Canada decided to appeal this case to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2012, as we view prostitution as inherently harmful to vulnerable persons, especially women and girls from First Nations communities. Prostitution victimizes and exploits women and girls and forces those who have few choices into a world of fewer choices.

There is also a critical link between prostitution and human trafficking that is too often ignored by those calling for legalization. In 2003, the Scottish Parliament commissioned the University of London to conduct a 'comprehensive analysis of outcomes of prostitution policies in other countries.' The study found that the legalization and regulation of prostitution led to a dramatic increase in the involvement of organized crime in the sex industry, in child prostitution, in the number of foreign women trafficked into the region, and a general increase in violence against women.

In Canada, studies by the RCMP, House of Commons Status of Women Committee, UBC Professor Benjamin Perrin, and the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (CISC) have shown that Canadian born women and youth are vulnerable to sex slavery. In particular, the 2008 CISC study found that organized crime syndicates in Canada recruit Canadian born women between the ages of 12-25 years to traffic inter- and intra-provincially for the purposes of forced prostitution. The 2010 RCMP study, Hidden Abuse-Hidden Crime, revealed a number of groups of youth in Canada to be vulnerable to sex trafficking, especially youth from First Nations communities.

As such, I am unapologetically for the abolition of prostitution, a system that dehumanizes and degrades humans and reduces them to a commodity to be bought and sold. This is the reality we face in Canada and the motivation for the Canadian government's efforts to combat sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

The case being made by Bedford et al. is not about making the streets safer for prostitutes or securing equality for women. It is about one thing: making pimps and human traffickers richer.

True equality for women will never come from a legal system that encourages the prostitution and sale of women and vulnerable populations. Rather, Canada should continue to criminalize the pimps, traffickers and real root of prostitution: the clients.

Joy Smith, MP
Kildonan - St. Paul

Media Contact: Joel Oosterman
Office of Joy Smith, MP
Phone: 613-992-7148
Cell: 613-220-6795
Email: joy.smith.a2@parl.gc.ca

CNN: Victim's Plea

Click on the link to the CNN article Victim's Plea:  Change New York Law, Charge the Traffickers:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/11/victims-plea-change-new-york-law-charge-the-traffickers

A California Climber Takes Up the Trafficking Fight

My friend Teresa comes through for me again. . .check out this inspiring article:

www.christianitytoday.com/thisisourcity/silicon-valley/california-climber-takes-up-trafficking-fight.html?start=1

Smith Leads Delegation

MP, Joy Smith continues to fight the war against human trafficking:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/Smith-leads-delegation-to-combat-human-trafficking-210575841.html

Mark ~ Invisible People

Powerful interview. . .important words:

invisiblepeople.tv

Paying it Forward in the North End

It is the feel-good story of the week!  Kudos to you Michel Morin - I like it!!

www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/paying-it-forward-in-north-end-208927031.html

CNN: Art Against Slavery

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Made In a Free World ~ Ghana

madeinafreeworld.com/ghana

Transformation Textiles

I wish I had known earlier about Rachel Starkey and the fact that she was speaking in Winnipeg last weekend but nonetheless, I can share her information now.  What a tremendous idea she has, and on so many levels!  She's taking what would be waste material, headed for the dump and is turning it into something that will literally change so many lives.  Check out the Winnipeg Free Press article (including a video interview at the end) and the Transformation Textile website:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/she-leads-an-underwear-revolution-for-african-girls-207035621.html

transformationtextiles.com

We Are Silent

This event happened April 18th, but I only found out about it recently.  I like the idea so I thought I would still post it - better late than never!

www.freethechildren.com/get-involved/campaigns/we-are-silent

25 Cents to Wash Blood Off Your T-Shirt

This Winnipeg Free Press article was from last week but I think there's a lot of important information in it:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/25-cents-to-wash-blood-off-your-t-shirt-206160621.html

CNN: Slavery Not Dead in France

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Uganda: Blessed are the Children

Check out this great article, pictures and video from the Winnipeg Free Press:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/fyi/Uganda-Blessed-are-the-children-206935001.html

"Together, our voices and our actions make a difference."

In light of the news that continues to come out of Bangladesh, it is fitting that World Fair Trade Day should be observed today.  I received an email from Jolica's head office and I want to share what our co-founders, Ted & Darlene Loewen, had to say:

"The recent tragedies in the garment factories in Bangladesh have been a stark reminder of why Fair Trade matters. As we celebrate World Fair Trade Day this month, we are reminded that the need for Fair Trade is real and urgent. The artisans who create Jolica's products have safe working conditions, in part because of our business partnership.

Providing safe working conditions is one of the key principles of Fair Trade. Basic safety from building construction is certainly an important part of this definition but it is only the beginning. In the Fair Trade workshops we have visited, we have been impressed with steps taken to provide safe working environments. In Nepal, Rabi's workshop is open to the outdoors, allowing for fresh air to circulate. In Thailand, Ekachai showed us his novel invention for working safely with the flame that is necessary to melt silver. In Chile, Jessica makes it a priority to create an environment that is socially and emotionally safe for everyone. In Indonesia, our artisan partner group supplies first aid kits and first aid training, as well as clean washrooms to every workshop. Hygiene is key to their healthy environment.

As we mark World Fair Trade Day with our partners around the world, we can be confident that we are helping to demonstrate that there is a viable alternative to the kind of business model that puts people at risk for the sake of profit.

Together, our voices and our actions make a difference."

CNN: Women Trafficked to Iraq

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

Earth & Sky ~ Naomi Striemer

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyOTEcZ9uO4

The Most Dangerous Place in the World to be a Child

Please take the time to read this Winnipeg Free Press article even though it may be hard to do.  The eyes of the child in the picture are haunting, pleading. . .and my stomach turns.  How will God forgive us when we allow that to happen to children?  When I complain about the weather or the fact that my fast food is not fast enough or the long list of other luxuries that I feel I deserve. . .

This is not about guilt - it's about action.  Living in one of the best countries in the world requires that you and I speak up, donate, or maybe even go outside of our comfort zones so that no country earns the title "The Most Dangerous Place in the World to be a Child".

www.winnipegfreepress.com/world/off-the-charts-133000-somali-children-die-in-famine-after-militant-ban-slow-aid-response-205875791.html

Looking for Ethically Made Clothing?

Looking for ethically made clothing is a challenge - trust me, I continue to try.  With the Bangladesh tragedy still in the news as the death toll rises, different articles continue to come out.  Click on the link and read the Winnipeg Free Press article:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/looking-for-ethically-made-clothes-hard-to-prove-workers-werent-harmed-making-t-shirts-205447611.html

CNN: Rescued Nepalese Find New Life in Circus

Check out this CNN article:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/04/30/rescued-nepalese-find-new-life-in-circus

CNN: The Fighters trailer

Check out the trailer for the CNN documentary The Fighters:

edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2013/04/15/freedom-project-fighters-pacquiao-philippines.cnn

Paying the Cost

Two interesting articles are the power consumers have and the impact our choices can really have:

www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/greenpage/purchasing-power-five-ways-consumers-can-be-more-socially-conscious-in-shopping-204755191.html

www.cnn.com/2013/04/25/opinion/bangladesh-factory-collapse-opinion/index.html?eref=mrss_igoogle_cnn

The Shirt on Your Back

As the death toll continues to increase, it seems as though the Bangladesh building collapse has finally caught our attention.  I'm not sure why the 112 people who died in the same country last November did not create as much buzz, but maybe the number is 'high' enough this time around.  Understanding that the garment industry creates so many needed jobs for the poor in Bangladesh, I believe that there still have to be stricter standards (both in employment and in building codes) despite the desperation of the country and its people.  As an advocate for fair trade, I believe that fair trade not only provides a fair wage for workers, it also ensures that standards are maintained (building codes, impact on the environment, etc) as certification means that businesses are inspected on a more regular basis.

Many people don't understand the price difference when talking about fair trade.  The question is not "Why is fair trade so much more expensive?" but rather "How can non-fair trade products be so cheap?"  Non-fair trade products are less expensive because the people producing the product are not being paid a fair wage.  We would not tolerate that working in the west, so why do we think that it's ok for all the people making our cheap clothes (and other items such as coffee, tea, chocolate, etc) to be paid so little?

And at the end of the day, not only are the producers not being paid fairly, most of the money ends up in cooperate hands.  Coffee farmers around the world literally make pennies for the coffee beans they sell while huge coffee companies pocket the profits.  In the case of fair trade, these farmers earn a consistent wage that ensures they can feed their family and send their children to school - the same things we are able to do in the west.  Yes it does require certification but certification brings inspections.  Fair trade cuts out the middle man where so much money is lost in non-fair trade business.

I certainly don't have it all figured out myself but I can say that I am trying.  If I can choose fair trade, I do.  I want my vote and voice to be heard clearly when I use my money to purchase fair trade options.  Sometimes that's not easy and it requires extra work but consider purchasing a shirt that supports a single Bangladesh mom who works in a safe building, returning home to her children after school, excited to tell one another about their day all because we purchased a fair trade shirt.  It feels good doesn't it - that shirt on your back?  It's a shirt that doesn't have to change the entire world, but it does change the world for a family half a world away!

Students Mining Change

Check out this great Winnipeg Free Press article. . .way to speak up for change!!

www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/students-mining-change-204044461.html

Lord, I Need You ~ Matt Maher

www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_q1cXSM_6o

CNN: Campaigner - We Can See the Finish Line

Check out this cool story:

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2013/04/15/we-are-making-a-difference

CNN: Running to Fight Traffickers

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

The Solar Solution that is Changing the World

Check out the following video and link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-6sKlq7hOY&feature=youtu.be

www.waterschool.com

END IT

enditmovement.com