(Photo: One by One)
In a world where young girls continue to face threats of human trafficking and modern slavery, a notable charity is intensifying its efforts to safeguard them. One by One, an international charity, has pledged to assist 100,000 girls who are at risk globally. This commitment was highlighted in conjunction with International Women’s Day on March 8, drawing attention to the ongoing vulnerabilities faced by girls worldwide.
The organization has made significant strides with its Dignity Project, an initiative that recently celebrated reaching 50,000 girls. This project is unique as it combines menstrual health support with critical education on personal safety and trafficking awareness. Over the past decade, the program has distributed reusable sanitary pads and empowered girls with essential knowledge to recognize trafficking tactics and bolster their self-confidence.
Originating from concerns about children disappearing near One By One’s offices in Kenya, the project identified a crucial link between period poverty-induced school absenteeism and increased susceptibility to exploitation. By tackling these issues simultaneously, the charity is enabling more girls to stay in school and avoid perilous situations.
The Dignity Project, which was first introduced in the UK Parliament, has since expanded to 14 countries, including Brazil, Sierra Leone, and India. Its sessions are conducted in diverse environments such as schools, churches, prisons, and refugee camps, with special programs for Afghan women displaced by Taliban rule.
The initiative also extends to the UK, where training sessions in schools focus on raising awareness of exploitation and emphasizing the importance of safety and education for girls. In Uganda, schools observed a 19% increase in attendance following Dignity Project events last year, a development campaigners believe is crucial in reducing trafficking risks.
“Every reusable pad gifted via the Dignity Project and every lesson taught is a step towards breaking the chains of shame, fear and exploitation,” stated Becky Murray, founder and chief executive of One By One, as she reflected on International Women’s Day. She further expressed the charity’s ambition to double its reach to 100,000 girls in the next five years, acknowledging the support from churches, supporters, and businesses.
Besides prevention, One By One’s broader initiatives include rehabilitation for trafficking survivors. The Mercy Centre in Uganda offers residential support for trafficked girls aged 6 to 17, while the King’s Centre in Kenya focuses on education, welfare, and family reintegration. In Pakistan, the charity addresses child labor in brick factories and provides a safe house for those rescued from bonded labor.
Becky Murray has campaigned against trafficking on international platforms, having discussions with leaders at venues like the White House and 10 Downing Street, and receiving backing from prominent figures such as former UK Prime Minister Theresa May. One By One aspires to combat trafficking not just through rescue operations but by preemptively preventing exploitation.
During the project’s “Dignity Days,” police officers and community leaders often participate to emphasize that girls are entitled to safety, education, and dignity. Murray conveyed a powerful message: “Our message is clear: no price can ever be put on the head of these girls, because the price has already been paid in full by Christ. Each girl is infinitely precious in God’s sight, and we pray they will live in the freedom and worth he has secured for them.” She added, “We have met many girls who have been through horrendous situations – the training shows that their bodies are their own and they can say no.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
