the time is now

It is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day today. I have been researching this social issue for quite some time now; and naturally, it had me interested in knowing the statistics of human trafficking in the Dominican Republic. I wonder if I am ever going to stop being surprised..... Clearly this is not that time.

I was shocked to find out that the Dominican Republic is not only a hot-spot for human trafficking, but according to research, it is ranked No. 4 worldwide following Thailand, Philippines, and Brazil. The Dominican Republic is a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking victims including men, women, and children.

According to research done by UNICEF, there is an estimated 4,000 children being trafficked annually from Haiti into the Dominican Republic for forced labor and sexual purposes. In addition, there is an estimated 500,000 Dominican women involved in prostitution in Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.

My question is, what is the Dominican government doing about the estimated 400 trafficking networks working from within the country, responsible for this organized crime? Yes, I am aware of Law 137-03 established in August of 2003, stating the punishment for those involved in the traffic of humans. However, the government has, yet again, lacked follow up in prosecuting and punishing violators. It's like hearing the news that Mark McGwire used steroids...tell us something we don't know!

I ended my last post stating that Home of Change had become more than just a blog, and I had decided to take action. Well 2010 has arrived. After much research, continual planning, and a couple of God winks (my favorites!) I have decided to start a nonprofit organization.

Home of Change exists to provide educational, financial, and health-care resources to the girls and women of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Our goal is to reduce the risk of trafficking for sexual and labor purposes by instilling leadership in the community.

Our vision is to develop women into key leadership roles in their communities, while they pave their own road to social change.

Home of Change is a hub for education, leadership, and social impact.

Why girls and women? Research shows that when resources are invested in women, they invest in their families and communities, which leads to social change. They are also among the most at-risk citizens and more likely to become victims.

“It always seems impossible until its done” -Nelson Mandela


For more information on Home of Change, contact me at carolina@homeofchange.org