Co-author: Sangeetha Watson
3 minutes read
Last month, AVPN organized its first Faith and Giving Learning Circle, titled: Making Progress On Wicked Problems: Leveraging a Whole-Systems Approach to Addressing Modern-Day Slavery. The small-group discussion featured the International Justice Mission (IJM) represented by Christa Hayden Sharpe, Regional President, Asia Pacific. Here are some key takeaways from the discussion.
The challenge of addressing violence in economically vulnerable communities
Safety is a core concern for economically vulnerable communities, and yet addressing violence and exploitation is challenging given that they are deeply rooted in complex social issues. Violence is most prevalent at the intersection of other vulnerabilities such as extreme poverty, unregulated work, immigration, and lack of access to healthcare or legal services. As IJM found, in working on the eradication of the sexual exploitation of minors in the Philippines, many who face exploitation are often “hidden populations” that are not accounted for by policy and law enforcement. Identifying and creating visibility of these vulnerable groups can be a challenge in itself.
Addressing violence and exploitation requires multi-sectoral collaboration and a systemic approach
Because of the complexity of addressing violence and exploitation, multi-sectoral collaboration between governmental bodies, policy-makers, impact organizations, and funders is key to addressing these issues. In combating the sexual trafficking of children in the Philippines, IJM partnered with the Philippines Government, including the Philippine National Police – Women and Children Protection Center (PNP-WCPC), to support improved intervention and conviction in cases of trafficking. At the same time working with local social service providers to deploy necessary assistance, trauma-informed care and reintegration of sex trafficking survivors into local communities. These initiatives are sustained through IJM’s collaboration with philanthropic funding partners such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Faith-based organizations can play key roles in addressing violence and exploitation
Faith is a key pillar within most communities in Asia, and this allows faith based organizations of all types to contribute to addressing violence. In the Philippines, this has been demonstrated by the founding of the Philippine Interfaith Movement Against Human Trafficking, where representatives of 3 Christian church councils united their churches and faith communities in fighting human trafficking in the country. Through this alliance, faith organizations at the local and national level have worked together towards public awareness and advocacy, providing care for survivors, and supporting law enforcement and social services in the eradication of trafficking.
The Path Forward
Often termed wicked problems, deeply entrenched social issues such violence and poverty are notoriously difficult to address. Yet, as IJM’s work in the Philippines demonstrates, understanding the intersectionality of these issues, taking a systemic lens while collaborating with stakeholders in different sectors, and leveraging local communities and faith organizations can enable tangible progress. Through the combined efforts of various stakeholders, IJM reported a 75.4% reduction in the prevalence of child sex trafficking from 2009 to 2016 in Metro Manila. There’s more to be done, but we can get started by working together.
Learn more about AVPN’s Faith and Giving Initiative and Learning Circles here.
Recommended Reads:
IJM – Evaluation of the Program to Combat Sex Trafficking of Children in the Philippines: 2003-2015
