Global Campaign to Combat Injustices Affecting Women and Children
Contact: Wendy Bucceri, Renaissance Communications, 201-847-1292, wendy@renn.com
ATLANTA, Nov. 15, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- In an effort to raise awareness and funds to combat oppression, slavery, exploitation and global trafficking, The Freedom Climb will unite 47 women from around the world who have volunteered to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The event was chosen as a symbol for the challenging climb that marginalized women face while climbing out of oppression and into freedom.
It is estimated that there are 27 million slaves in the world today, trapped in various forms of bondage and abuse. Three out of 4 are women. Eight hundred thousand people will be sex-trafficked this year. Eighty percent will be female and 50% will be children.
The vision for the Freedom Climb began with a deep desire to be a voice for those who have no voice and a burden to do something about the global oppression of women and children. Cathey Anderson, whose ministry was teaching sustainable farming to African nationals in Malawi, had the vision to get a small group of friends to climb Kilimanjaro...and make a difference. In just a few months, that vision has grown to 47 women from all over the world, ranging in age from 18-73, who are committed to raising their voices and funds through their networks of friends and family.
"I talk to friends here in the States, and they say 'what can we do with such a huge problem?' I tell them 'we can all make a difference for one women and one child at a time! We can cry out on that woman's behalf and try to meet her needs -- and see freedom for her!'" says Anderson. "That will change not only her future but all the generations after her! We know we will not end slavery and human trafficking with this climb. We can, however, bring hope and an opportunity for freedom to women and children who currently have none."
Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, towering over Tanzania at 19,340 feet. The mountain's summit is known as Uhuru Peak. Uhuru is the Swahili word for "freedom," and the climb is symbolic of the hope that women and children worldwide can be free of their circumstances. The climb is scheduled for January 11, 2012, which is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the United States.
The physicality of the climb itself is extremely challenging. At this high altitude the human body is operating on about 50% oxygen which makes for difficulty in breathing and easy exhaustion. Recently, in an effort to prepare, the group of women climbed Pike's Peak in Colorado Springs, CO. At 14,000 feet, the Pike's Peak climb was a reality check for the climbers and made them determined to continue to be in the best physical condition to prepare for the Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb. This was the first time many of the women were together as a group to solidify their commitment.
A South African climber (who is working to give opportunities to village women), Suria Scholtz says, "It is for me personally a very special journey. It is my prayer that women will be able to identify with their oppressed sisters in various parts of the world and that God will create compassion in their hearts to become involved in their climb to freedom."
In response to Anderson's vision and its longstanding passion against injustices to women and children, OM launched The Freedom Climb. The hope is to draw much needed attention to these highly at risk communities. The Freedom Climb hopes to create a global movement of women who will rise up to be the voice for those who have no voice in order to see emancipation in these communities; transforming the lives of women and children, breaking the cycle of poverty, and providing freedom from oppression and slavery.
The Freedom Climb is focusing on two specific existing OM programs that empower women and children to be free from their oppressive conditions. The first facet is rescuing and restoring those that are being oppressed. Our teams will help those who have suffered these injustices to find emotional, spiritual and physical freedom by providing long term counseling and life skills to help them thrive in their freedom. The second aspect is prevention: if we are to see true freedom for all women in our generation, we will need to see massive systemic changes. The reality is that for every woman rescued there are many who can take her place. We need to stop the flow. We need to remove the reason why a parent would sell their daughter to a trafficker. We need to give women another source of income so they do not have to sell their bodies or work bond slaves. OM is working to transform lives and communities by providing job skill training and micro loans in order for women to provide for their families and start small businesses. With their ability to work and earn money one major reason to sell themselves or their daughters is removed. Work brings an increased degree of dignity. OM's goal for 2012 is to impact 10,000 women and children worldwide by providing these solutions.
To learn more about The Freedom Climb: see the projects, sponsor a climber, get involved or give support, please visit www.thefreedomclimb.net. To schedule an interview with one of the Freedom Climbers or a representative from OM's Freedom Climb, please contact Renaissance Communications.
ABOUT OM: Operation Mobilization (OM) is the founding organization for The Freedom Climb. OM is an international Christian organization that has been operating for over 50 years, now serving in 118 countries and addressing many global injustices. With 6100 workers around the world, OM teams have the experience, knowledge, and local language advantage to make a lasting impact. Their commitment is to long-term, relational ministry which meets spiritual needs and addresses the earthly bonds of oppression.
