Solutions

My objection to these articles is in how they address the attempt to ‘fix’ sex slavery. They propose bandaid solutions for a serious social normatively driven problem. Within the Kristof article, “Stopping the Traffickers” he advocates the following solutions, “ (1) pressure on foreign governments to crack down on brothels with underage girls or those held against their will, (2) promotion of condoms to keep prostitutes alive and (3) above all, literacy and job programs to raise the status of girls and women”. By just pressuring the government and providing contraception I feel as if not enough action is being taken. That type of solution is not sustainable, and while important to minimize the damage done to these girls, without proper education and social reform the problem will perpetuate. I think that the most important of all three of these potential solutions is number three because it can help create a longer lasting more sustainable solution. I also would like to add that the education cannot just end with women’s empowerment, but must also address the corruption of the police force or the general attitude men are instilled with to just go along with this practice. Societal education is the begging of a potentially lasting solution. However, another point to consider lies within the Nagam article, where a potential solution suggested is to help promote conversation and dialogue about these issues amongst the Indian and Nepalese to adequately address the situation from within. I think promoting a solution from within is equally important because it adds a degree of cultural sensitivity as well as begins to eliminate the patriarchal and dependent aid. Finding cohesion between education and cultural sensitivity while avoiding imperialism and promoting justice should be the difficult yet overall goal.