As technology and media use increases, students are provided with a tool to spread awareness about topics that aren’t commonly talked about. Senior, Fatima Mejia, started a human trafficking awareness organization to inform students, and others, about the cruel issue of human trafficking. Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for exploitation purposes, such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, or involuntary servitude.
Mejia started this organization after someone close to her experienced trafficking and she wanted to bring awareness to the fact that it truly can happen to everyone.
“I started my organization after a family member of mine was taken and trafficked. I think we all know these types of horrible situations happen but we never think it can happen to us. This made me realize how common this happens, and more importantly, how much we ignore it,” Mejia said.
Mejia looks back on the harsh reality her family faced when it was something they never thought would happen to one of them.
“There are about 50 million people that are enslaved today. Bringing awareness to my community has now become one of the most important goals of my life. With the help of the international nonprofit organization “A21” and driven by the belief that everyone deserves freedom, I started my organization hoping to make a difference, knowing even the smallest change in the fight against human slavery is an important part of a larger search for justice. I plan on continuing this work past high school because unlike those being trafficked and enslaved today, I have the privilege of having free will, and I plan on using it to advocate for those who don’t,” Mejia said.
Her main message and goal of the club is to bring awareness to such a heavy topic.
“My main goal is awareness. I realize I can’t change the world or anything but change begins with education. I want people to know the details about human trafficking- the signs of its presence, the tactics used, and the phone numbers to contact if any of this is happening,” Fatima said.
Mejia wants to educate students and people around about how to look out for and know the signs of trafficking.
“By empowering those with freedom, I believe we can empower those without. I hope to be part of the movement towards a world of freedom and justice, creating a proactive society, ” Mejia said.
In the future, Mejia has big plans to continue her journey to bring awareness.
“As of now, I have already contacted several businesses and a university of Ciudad Juarez, asking for permission to set up flyers and posters that advocate for it under the “Can you see me?” campaign. Several have accepted, so as of now those are my short term plans. As for the future I’m not sure yet, but all I know is that I do not plan on stopping my participation in this global effort,” Fatima Mejia said.
