The Canada Caucus is asking Canadian clubs to highlight human trafficking during the month of February, especially on 22 February which the Government of Canada has declared Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada.
Zonta International’s statement on trafficking in persons denounces human trafficking as a heinous crime and abuse of human rights. It is commonly defined as the use of violence, deception or coercion to transport, recruit or harbour people in order to exploit them for purposes such as forced prostitution, forced labour, criminality, marriage and organ removal.
If your club is looking for ways to raise awareness, check out these two upcoming events and the list of agencies/organizations for more information.
Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/panel-discussion-on-awareness-of-human-trafficking-tickets-247868741077
Chelsea’s Story Virtual Play and Talkback (virtual and free)
A theatrical production adapted to an online format
Tuesday 22 February 2022, 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. EST
Based on a true story, Chelsea’s Story centres on a group of three students who discover the diary of a 15-year-old girl named Chelsea who is targeted and groomed by a man posing as her boyfriend to be trafficked for sex. For people as young as 12 to understand what trafficking is about and the ways in which those who are vulnerable, particularly girls and young women tend to be targeted and groomed. Performances are followed by a facilitated conversation led by a staff member of the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chelseas-story-virtual-play-talkback-for-parents-and-general-public-tickets-249312720057?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
February 22 is the presentation directed to the public. Many of the members of the Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo saw the live performance in 2019 – it is a powerful presentation.