A Blank Stare
Several years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to work on a global health project. As with all international travel, the lessons and experiences were priceless. Towards the end of the trip I learned about “accepted” cultural practices that deeply saddened me. Namely, there was systemic abuse at essentially all levels in the region. These abuses were directed towards the vulnerable and weak. In most cases the victims were single or widowed women. One of the stories that was shared with me was that of a mother (widowed) who could not sustain her family financially. In order to cover expenses, she had to “pimp out” her daughter. Unfortunately, this had become common practice in that society. After hearing the stories and confirming with others, I did what I could to support the victims and to voice my opposition. But I had so many questions in my head. How can this exist in our modern world? Where were the human rights people? Where were the women’s rights people? Where we...