LABOR TRAFFICKING
Labor trafficking is the product of fast fashion, used by many companies like H&M, Nike, along with others in countries, where it's less expensive to produce in masses. The people who work for these companies end up not being paid enough and being in horrible conditions in sweatshops.
Research Question
What does modern slavery look like? And, how can we help people be more aware that even though it may look different, slavery still exists?
Introduction
As a human being, we should have freedom from labor and torture, yet when looking deeper into the history of a forever 21 shirt, it's the opposite of that. These million dollar companies such as Nike, Wal-Mart, Ralph Lauren, and H&M use child labor/sweatshops to make more money. There are sweatshops all over the world, but most are located in Central America, South America, Asia, China, and India. The term "sweatshop" was first used in the late 19th century to describe aspects of the tailoring trade, but sweatshop conditions exist in other industries.
These poor women and children, and sometimes men, receive inhumane treatment. They often have inhumane working conditions, unfair wages, unreasonable hours, and a lack of benefits for their hard work. These cruel working environments were built for companies to gain profit by driving down the cost of production.
Modern-day slavery can be debt slavery, forced marriage, involuntary servitude, forced labor, and in this case, child labor. Even though slavery doesn't look the same as it did in 1920, that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. These people that are suffering don't deserve it because they are human too.
Raising awareness of child labor is essential. Sign petitions to increase the worker's pay, invest in clothing that comes from a better place if you don't want to support the sweatshops, buy secondhand clothing. After you learn about this, spread the word. Educate others on this unlawful practice.
Public Service Announcement
Shows how we see sweatshop workers as less than human. As we see them as people creating our new clothes but forgetting the bigger picture of how much they are suffering from low wages.
Infographic
This represents the number of kids around the world who work in sweatshops. The first figure represents 0 to 1% of kids around the world, and the second figure shows 6 to 55% of the kids
Final Proposal
People can take action by buying less clothing, upcycle old clothes, buy used clothes, and support sustainable clothing brands.
Meet the Team
Sherea B.
I'm from NY, Queens but my family is from Bangladesh. I became more interested in my culture so I began my research. I slowly learned about labor trafficking and how unfair it is. As someone who’s family came from Bangladesh I couldn’t stand that and want to raise awareness about it.
Mbaba D.
I am from New York City, Harlem and I want to let people know the process of how their everyday clothes are made through art. Discussions are also really important because it allows me and anyone else I’m talking to, to voice their opinions and find solutions.
Jolandina S.
I’m different. I like to talk about things that get thrown under the rug and looked upon bc I like to face problems head-on. People deserve to know the truth and I’ll do anything I can to put it out there.
Monica U.
I think that social injustices like labor trafficking should be discussed more. I think people should be more aware of worldwide social injustices especially ones that are rarely discussed.