Meg's update: Address: Human Trafficking" Ct. University

Saturday, Oct. 30th, I addressed the Graduate School, Women's Studies at Southern CT. State University. I reflected with the students, the economic, social, cultural, and political factors that prey on women and youth through this modern form of slavery. Trafficking is a criminal industry driven by financial profits due to high demand, netting $32 billion yearly; poverty and gender inequality are also important factors. Trafficking is a global phenomena reaching rural and urban communities alike. I spoke of experiences suffered among Thai women and children held bondage through force, coercion, and fraud. Some actions taken by the Thai government have been seen through legislation enforced and perpetrators convicted. Recommendations suggested to the students were: a. be involved, with others, in their own communities working to eliminate this scourge; b. learn Ct's legislation regarding trafficking, and how they can be active in seeing laws are implemented; c. be globally aware of the plight of trafficked victims and join groups that are working to lessen this evil. In the question and answer period, good responses came from the students and faculty.