Residents of the CIS who seek greater
opportunities outside their home countries are often victimized
by sex traffickers who take money to deliver women into situations
that range from exploitative to violent, and sometimes fatal.
Approximately 700,000 women from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus
are active in prostitution outside their home country, and as
many as 80 percent of these are trafficking victims.
1 + 1 + 1 = A POWERFUL VOICE FOR CHANGE
Teens
in Kineshma, Russia, receive information about trafficking
in women and sign petitions asking all Russian citizens to
bring an end to trafficking.
Project Kesher, working with The
Angel Coalition and La
Stradahas been a leader in the anti-trafficking movement
throughout Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Project Kesher activists
alert young women to the dangers, take action to pass legislation,
offer job training, and provide practical assistance to victims
of sex trafficking.
In 2003, Project Kesher initiated a very successful seminar
for young women 'Life Abroad, Myths and Reality' that has been
replicated in communities throughout the region. Most recently,
Project Kesher has partnered with international organizations
to free women trafficked within the CIS.
Natan Scharansky of the Israeli Knesset is heading a drive to
prevent trafficking from the CIS to Israel. Project Kesher CIS
director, Svetlana has been invited to serve on the Knesset's
working committee.
Project Kesher and partners, The Angel Coalition
and the Kineshma Department of youth sponsor a rock concert
as part of an educational campaign against trafficking in
women.
