Celebrate Mother's Day While Fighting Against Exploitation and Trafficking

by Rachel Lloyd · 2010-04-23 13:53:00 UTC
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Rachel Lloyd is part of Change.org's Changemaker network, comprised of leading voices for social change.

Last summer two iconic musicians Sinead O'Connor and Mary J. Blige came together for the recording of "This is To Mother You" a benefit song for GEMS to bring awareness to the issues of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of American girls.  Although the song was written and released by Sinead several years ago, the words are so relevant today and to the work that we do at GEMS.

What made the project even more significant was having a survivor voice and former GEMS member, Martha B. included on the track.  Martha now 21, came to GEMS at 14 and has been impacted by all of our programs including leadership training, youth outreach, living at our residence, and even working at the GEMS office. Martha has always had an amazing voice and aspirations of singing professionally so when this opportunity presented itself, it was serendipitous!

It was really an honor to have artists of Sinead and Mary's caliber taking a stand and joining GEMS in our effort to promote girls empowerment and education as critical tools in the fight against the commercial sexual exploitation of children.  Both Sinead and Mary are artists who use their voice and celebrity to advocate against injustices impacting women and children.

"This is To Mother You" expresses a simple promise to vulnerable children in America and around the world: You may not see us, but we see you. And we will love and care for you.

This Mother's Day, GEMS will celebrate the beauty and worth of all women and girls and invite supporters to submit a favorite photo of themselves with a mother, daughter, or other amazing, influential females in their life for a chance to be included in the "This is To Mother You" music video. The music video, like the song, will be used as a tool to spread awareness and honor the many individuals who help in the fight against commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking of girls.

There's so much in this song that speaks to the way we feel about the young women and girls we serve at GEMS especially in terms of being protective and supportive towards them. It is also speaks to the way we feel they should be treated by society in general. They should be protected and not sold!

Watch the video of Mary J. Blige and Martha in-studio at the recording session for This is To Mother You

What you can do:

1. Submit a favorite photo of yourself with a mother, daughter, or other amazing, influential females in your life for a chance to be included in the "This is To Mother You" music video.

The deadline for photo submissions is April 24 at gemsgirls.shutterfly.com.

2. Purchase a copy of This is To Mother You for yourself and the important women in your life.

3. Support the work that we do at GEMS by making a donation.

Photo credit: Wikimedia

Rachel Lloyd is the founder of Girls Educational & Mentoring Services.
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