Empowering DC's young girls to brake the cycle of sexual violence

Executive Director, Andrea Powell

The room was a buzz with chatter and commotion as small crowds began to quickly form around a variety of tables.  The tables were covered with shimmer and sparkle, with wine in hand everyone was clambering over the handmade jewelry laid out on the tables; “…but I wanted that one!” and “That looks fantastic on you!”, were often heard.  In the background you could hear faint shy giggles of young girls, as the excitement grew purses and wallets were opening so quickly that before one knew it most of the pieces were snatched up.

The event was not a posh store opening or the launch of some big designer, but something much bigger.  The night was DC based Fair Fund’s 3rd annual Pearls of Purpose Gala, the event honored Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), for her work to help trafficked children.   The award and remarks were made by Kenneth B. Morris, Founder and Director of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation.  Held at the beautiful DACOR Bacon House, in downtown Washington, D.C., the signature event raised funds to help young girls escape and, or, free their lives from the heartless toils sexual violence and human trafficking.  

The real guests of honor were the DC JewelGirls, who were on hand to share not only their beautiful creations, but their stories of hope and empowerment, as well as their youthful zest for life and the future, much of which they have received in thanks to the programs and support of Fund.

I had the distinct pleasure to talk to a variety of people at the event, and was moved many times for several varied reasons; first I ran into Betty a petite but strong older woman, as we shared our admiration over the fine handmade chocolates, which had been made of crushed pearls just for the night, I innocently asked her how she became a supporter of the cause.  Betty then introduced me to her daughter, Linda Walker, a vivacious and energetic woman with a real outspoken zeal for life.  Linda and Betty are not merely supporters, they are unyielding advocates.  You see they have seen the horrors of gender-based violence first hand, Linda’s daughter; Dru Sjodin was sexually assaulted and murdered after she was abducted in November 2003.  Dru’s story highlights the fact that sexual violence and modern slavery can happen to anyone, there is not a profile of a victim, and it could even be the face in the mirror, or the person next to you.  Dru was a 22 year-old, University of North Dakota senior when she was kidnapped from a local mall parking lot after leaving work.   In her honor and memory, Fair Fund and Dru’s family have launched the Dru Campaign.  Linda and her family are more than inspiring, they work tirelessly to see that policy and laws are enacted, and continue to raise awareness and support for the issues across the country, which you can see in the campaign and at Dru’s Voice.

Next I met Dhaesha, whose soft spoken voice and timid smile were easily overshadowed by the sparkle of excitement in her eyes.  I was admiring one of her pieces, which a new friend just purchased and as we chattered away about how great the necklace was, Dhaesha began to shy away, but the sparkle in her eye’s only intensified.   I asked Dhaesha what she like most and she told me it was working with the other girls, the bond which they shared was beyond apparent at the event, but also that “it’s fun”.  I took a bit of time to talk with her mother, Mimi, whom one could quickly see the pride in her eyes as she watched everyone revel over her daughters amazing creations. Mimi was beyond grateful for the support that her daughter was getting through JewelGirls, but you could see that the real joy came from watching as her daughter was blossoming with empowerment and pride.

Then I quickly noticed one of the girls, Isis, who stood tall and proud by the table, she had an aura of confidence, that you could recognize from across the room.  While well spoken and undoubtedly mature for her age, this 14 year-old spoke with youthful ambition, with such an infectious smile as I asked her about her jewelry designs and the program, she bluntly said, “It keeps me out of trouble!”.  And while teenagers are supposed to get into a bit of trouble, as it’s a rite of passage, Fair Fund doesn’t aim to prevent youthful angst, but to educate girls on the dangers that face them and simply keep them safe, while helping them to reach their potential and dreams.  Isis’s mom, Tanya, watched her daughter with a look of love, hope, pride and  admiration, she said that she was most thankful to Fair Fund’s JewelGirls program because it “helps them build their self esteem, their self-worth…that it is giving them marketable skills.”  

In my work, and life, I have learned that the most valuable things anyone can give are rightful praise and complements, which are the foundation blocks for self confidence, but they must be accompanied by more than just a pat on the back, for glory is not what makes one strive for success,  accomplishment is.  Self worth is the key which unlocks the future and bakes the chains of slavery.  Sometime ago, I was in a conversation with two of DC hardest working MPD Sergeants, who work tirelessly and passionately in the Youth Investigations Division, Internet Crimes Against Children / Human Trafficking Unit.  The one thing they told me that makes their jobs so hard to bare is that there are so few resources and places to send these girls.  But what struck me the most, as it was the main reason I started my own support organization, is that one said; “I’ve been on this job for more than 10 years and I follow-up and check on these girls, and they all end up back on the streets, in an abusive relationship, addicted to drugs or alcohol…they don’t feel like they are worth anything else.”  And this is exactly why programs such as JewelGirls are so vital in the fight against modern slavery and abuse, these girls are worth so much more, and we must work to help them find that self-worth and empower them on every level.

Contact Fair Fund today to find out how you can support their programs or purchase JewelGirls jewelry for yourself and your friends…don’t just go out in style, go out with a purpose!
   

For more info:

Please also see the previous post, DC based NGO working to empower teens from DC to Serbia and beyond, published May 5, 2009

http://www.fairfund.org, http://www.drucampaign.org,  http://www.drusvoice.com