Freeing Trokosi Slave GirlsRestoring hope and transforming lives
Project Summary:Caught in the traditions of pagan gods, ritualistic sexual bondage traps girls in a life of torture and abuse. Using the knowledge we have learned in Ghana, our leaders in Togo are working to stop these brutal crimes against young women by educating communities on the rights of women and the love of Jesus Christ. But the traditions of voodoo and witchcraft are strong. Over half of the population believes in the ancient Trokosi ritual which prevents thousand of women and girls from reaching their full potential. Children as young as five are being sold to village priests as a form of atonement for the crimes of their families. As 'wives' of the priest, girls become servants, not only caring for the land and home but also by giving of their bodies sexually. They receive nothing in return, not even food. Our prayer is that these practices will be stopped and young girls will be protected against further abuse.
Project Goal
Project Details:We are mobilizing a team of 30 social workers to survey and build relationships with communities still practicing the enslavement of young girls. When you support this program, you are coming in on the ground floor. Our team is working with community chiefs and elders to establish laws against future enslavement as well as implementing strategies to free the girls currently enslaved. As we build trusted relationships within communities, we can help alleviate the burden these shrines are causing on families throughout Togo. "When I was five years old I became a Trokosi – a slave to the gods. My family gave me to the village priest as a form of religious atonement to appease the gods for our family's past crimes. At the shrine, I was abused both emotionally and sexually. I often went days without food and was forced to work long hours in the gardens. Today, although freed from the bondage of the shrine, my life will never be the same. I have a young child of my own and am infected with HIV. I have very few opportunities and little hope to live." – Ester, Trokosi slave As the victims of the Trokosi slave movement are identified, our team will place them in the care of our community social workers. Through counseling, education, skills training and Bible Study, girls will be empowered with the knowledge and tools they need to live their lives the way God intended – with purpose and hope.
|
