Can You Be a Feminist and an Abolitionist?

by Amanda Kloer · 2009-03-24 12:00:00 UTC
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The Human Trafficking Project (which is a giant in the fairly modest human trafficking blogosphere) has tackled the fairly intense and involved issue of feminism within the anti-trafficking movement and how the two are related.

I do want to address your statement that feminists are part of the human trafficking problem because they do not yet have moral values and want to impose their individual values/goals on others. As I mentioned above, I think that for me and probably many others who would identify as feminists, the belief in the rights of women is an important part of the drive to fight against trafficking.

I agree that for a number of women, including this one, identity as a feminist and as an abolitionist are closely related and inter-connected.  Many people have come to the anti-trafficking movement because they believe in feminist ideals of equality, empowerment, and freedom for women and girls.  And many people identify as both feminists and abolitionists.

So is feminism contrary to or supportive of anti-trafficking attitudes and activism?  "Feminism" is one of those amorphphous terms, which each person may define differently and which carries both deserved and undeserved stereotypes.  Both feminism and abolition are evolving concepts and identities, which will hopefully grow together as the number of young social activists grow.

What do you think?  Can you be a feminist and an abolitionist?

Image from u.arizona.edu

Amanda Kloer is a Change.org Editor and has been a full-time abolitionist in several capacities for seven years. Follow her on Twitter @endhumantraffic
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