Sex trafficking is a global crisis of growing dimensions. Millions of women and young girls have been illegally transported from rural to urban areas and across national borders for the purpose of prostitution. This compelling video explores the social and economic forces that drive this lucrative underground trade, and the devastating impact it has on women´s lives.
A 14-year-old Thai woman recalls the day she discovered it was not tea cakes she was expected to sell at her new job, but her body. A hopeful note is sounded by the actions of women´s organizations working against sex trafficking in their native countries, including Nepal, Thailand, and the Philippines.
“Sisters and Daughters Betrayed” will generate thought and discussion in a variety of courses in women’s studies, Asian studies, human rights, development issues, cultural anthropology, and Third-World studies. It was produced by Chela Blitt.
Reviews
"Conveys a special sickening synergy linking the globalization of the military, the economy, and the sex industry. The video´s evocative images and powerful narration will invite students in women´s studies and American studies courses to analyze the many forces that encourage the trafficking in young women, and to appreciate the strategies that Third World feminists are devising to stop it." — Judith Smith, Graduate Director, American Studies Program, Univ. of Massachusetts
"An excellent presentation of a complex issue; it´s informative and emotionally persuasive as well. The reactions of my students were overwhelmingly positive. Among the most effective features were the careful analysis in the narration and the video´s ability to communicate the differences among the cultures shown and leave the viewer feeling energetic and hopeful about the possibilities for positive change through indigenous activism." — Prof. Jean Humez, Director, Women´s Studies Program, Univ. of Massachusetts, Boston
"An eye-opener! This excellent video explores an issue of which most people are unaware, and shows our own involvement in it. It will be valuable for raising awareness and provoking discussion both in and out of the classroom." — Ruth Margolin, Director, Women´s Center, Univ. of Missouri