This story, another from the 2009 Human Trafficking Report, just blows my mind. It almost sounds like a situation in the South antebellum. It's easy to look back on the past and think, "Wow, I'm glad our country has moved on from the cruelties of slavery," but there are actually more slaves alive in the world today than there were in all of history added together. As I read Jayati's story, I pictures her living in some sort of hand-made hut or cabin, wearing home-sewn clothing and walking around in bare feet, like something out of a history book. But that's not the real situation. Jayati lives in the world of hybrids, Starbucks, and iPhones just like you and I. As you read her story, picture her in your community. That's probably the most accurate view of her situation as far as we can fathom it.
Jayati and her husband were bonded laborers at a rice mill in India for more than 30 years. From 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, they separated and boiled rice, often suffering burns, injuries and illnesses. The owner of the mill threatened to hurt them if they tried to leave. Their children were forced to quit school and work alongside them in the mill. Their grandchildren were born into bonded servitude. In 2005, Jayati and her family were finally freed with the help of NGOs and local authorities. “I never dreamt of a day like this in my life,” she said after being freed.
4.27 miles for Jayati
57.81 miles to date
Ruby
Sandra
Berchewkan
Mani
Sophea
Janna
Syowai
Ka
Stephanie
Alex
Mai
Khamta
Adaze
Jayati
Because He first loved me,
Stephanie
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