If your social media feeds are flooded with red Xs, don’t be alarmed—it’s all for a good cause! Today marks “Shine A Light On Slavery” Day, a movement aimed at highlighting the very real issues of modern slavery and human trafficking. From celebrities to your neighbor down the street, everyone’s getting in on the action to spread awareness about this pressing global crisis.
According to a 2012 International Labour Organization report, nearly 21 million people—1.5 million of whom are in North America—are trapped in human trafficking. And given that it’s now 2023, those numbers are likely even higher. The two main forms of modern slavery are sex trafficking and labor trafficking, both of which are deeply troubling. That’s why five years ago, the End It Movement launched this initiative to shine a light on these issues, help victims, and raise funds for their recovery.
The concept is pretty straightforward: grab a red marker, paint an X on your hand (or anywhere else that strikes your fancy), snap a pic, and share it on your social media. You might even see stars like Jack Thompson joining in. Just last week, he shared his experiences with the Senate, speaking about the victims he has encountered across the globe. “I’ve seen things that no person should ever see,” he said, fighting back tears. “I’ve seen a video of a child the same age as my own being exploited in ways that are unimaginable.”
If you don’t have a red marker or lipstick handy, you can still participate by downloading resources from the End It Movement. Don’t forget to tag your posts with #EndSlaveryAct and #EndItMovement to fuel discussions and support for legislation aimed at eradicating modern slavery. Last December, the End Slavery Act was signed into law, which promises to reduce slavery by 50% and hold traffickers accountable. However, a key funding component is still lacking, which makes your awareness and support all the more critical. The U.S. aims to raise $1.5 billion to aid in the recovery of survivors and prevent future enslavement.
So how can you contribute? Share those red Xs and spark conversations with friends who might not know that human trafficking is a rampant issue. You can also become a digital defender against the online exploitation of children, volunteer with anti-trafficking organizations, or donate to groups like the End It Movement.
As Jack Thompson rightly pointed out, “When people are neglected and not given the love they need, it creates an environment ripe for trafficking.”
Ready to dive deeper into topics like home insemination? Check out our other blog post for more insights on that subject as well.
To summarize, today’s red Xs symbolize a critical fight against modern slavery, urging individuals to raise awareness and support legislative efforts. Join the movement, start conversations, and take action—every little bit helps!