Modern Slavery (Published)

Posted bySecret BreePosted inHaiku, PublicationsTags:, , , , , , ,

Hi lovely reader. My poem Modern Slavery (Senryu Series) has been published on Sad Girls Club Literary Blog. Take a look and click on the little heart if this confronting piece speaks to your inner abolitionist.

Fighting against modern slavery is something close to my heart. I don’t often talk about ’causes’ or ‘heavy issues’ on this page, because I know that’s not why most of you are here and it’s not why I created this site either. Instead, I like to cultivate heartfelt and lighthearted content that everyone can relate to on some level. However, allow me to use the publication of this poem to share some information with you…

The latest estimates put the number of people trapped in some form of slavery at around 40 million. Yes, 40 million! This includes: Domestic Servitude, Human Trafficking, Sex Slavery and/or Forced Prostitution, Forced Labour, Debt Bondage, Child Soldiers, Child Labour and Forced Marriage.

The United Nations defines human trafficking “as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit”. Trafficking is commonly used in areas such as forced prostitution, labour, criminality, marriage or organ removal.

I won’t go into the horrendous statistics that are coming out of the UK alone on the increase in human trafficking during 2020. It is shocking and we should not shut our eyes to the plight of the souls around us. Rest assured, I’m not a person who likes to leave you feeling hopeless, so instead of dumping unpleasant information on you and running, let me encourage you to take positive action by:

  1. Becoming educated. Modern slavery is a complex issue and the enormity of it can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You can simply start by finding which area you are most passionate about and focus on that. Is it child prostitution or forced male labour in the agriculture industry? Does policy, prevention, intervention, rehabilitation or prosecution draw you? Find what you are able to put your energy towards and do that; you don’t have know everything, just look into one.
  2. Supporting organisations and charities that are already doing great work. Supporting credible organisations is the best way to get involved and you can do this with your finances or by donating your time. Most of the world is ‘closed’ for travel, but once it opens up, I will offer this word of caution, if you travel overseas… investigate organisations properly and be mindful of the negative impacts voluntourism can have.
  3. Shopping ethically and supporting companies who care about their workers and those in their supply chains. In Australia, using apps like ShopEthical and reviewing Brand report cards are the easiest way; the research is done for you. Unfortunately I can’t speak to international apps or company guides, please feel free to share them in the comments.

And now I will leave you with a WP hug and thank you for taking the time to read this longer post.

NB: You won’t see any ‘Published’ posts for a while as I’ve taken a break from submitting; you’ll just have to enjoy what you see here.

30 thoughts on “Modern Slavery (Published)”

      2. Now this is a very good question… The slightly inappropriate club? Doing the best I can and I’m okay with that club? Pass the Gin club? But in all honestly, I wouldn’t even have a club.
        You? What’s your club name?

        Liked by 1 person

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