To many, a dress is a sign of weakness or fragile femininity. Dresses require extra care and attention on the part of the wearer, and, traditionally, they have inhibited movement, confining women to domestic spaces. This December, my fifth since 2013, I am joining a movement that reclaims the dress as a symbol of freedom and power. By wearing a dress each day this month, Dressember participants reappropriate this garment as a flag, rallying people across the world to honor the inherent dignity in every person.
Dressember is not only a fashion challenge, but a social justice campaign. It seeks to raise awareness about slavery and human trafficking, as well as raise money to support some reputable organizations that combat injustice in its many forms.
There are more than 30 million people trapped in slavery right now. That's more than ever before in human history. International Justice Mission, one of Dressember's partners, defines slavery as the use of lies or violence to force another person to work for little or no pay. It takes on many forms in today's world:
Slavery is illegal everywhere, and yet it exists in every country. Why is that? It's because in many places the law is simply not enforced by the police or the legal system. In other places, places I have called home, injustice is prevalent but clandestine, and remains undetected, or downright ignored.
It's easy to dismiss human trafficking as a far-away issue, ignoring the fact that our touch-screen phone and afternoon chocolate have likely come to us through a supply line that at some point violently exploits children. And while we may think it's each government's responsibility to bring about change, it's clear that outside action is needed. As interconnected as the world is, I believe the responsibility to care for our neighbor falls on us. The issue is weighty, and justice seems unattainable. And yet, according to A21, another Dressember partner, slavery is more stoppable than ever before.
How can you make an impact? There are many ways. These are some you can do right now.
Instead of using Netflix to escape, let it help you see through someone else's eyes, and give voices to stories that are often unheard. There are many documentaries that bring injustices to light, including The True Cost, and Finding Home, and Tricked, to name only a few. Or, in less than 20 minutes, let this TED Talk open your eyes to the injustices behind everyday bargains we enjoy.
Then, explore the exciting world of fair trade. No, we can't buy our way out of guilt, or solve complex problems with a shopping spree. But we can start to make small choices that have a big impact on communities all over the world.
I've learned a lot about ethical fashion from the Style Wise Blog. Although paying extra for fair trade artisan goods isn't always possible, there are many more options than we think. And one easy and very inexpensive way to responsibly refresh a wardrobe is buying secondhand. Thrift shops, or brechó, as they are called here, are becoming more fashionable, and are a treasure trove of sustainable fashion.
Dressember isn't an excuse to go out and buy a bunch of dresses. Through creativity and collaboration, participants can vary their wardrobe in different ways. Last year I wore the same dress all month, accessorizing differently each day. Sometimes I borrow items, or re-wear the same ones for many years (and no one seems to notice). This year I am alternating between three dresses--two made by survivors of trafficking in Nepal, and one thrifted from a local brechó. "Shop less, thrift more," is the song I'm singing more often these days.
Plus, anyone who donates to my campaign will be included in a raffle to win a personalized caricature portrait of one or two people. The person who donates the highest amount will also be offered the same prize. And I hope to give a small piece of my art to anyone who makes a contribution above 5 USD.
And, whether or not you are a woman, it's also not too late to start your own campaign!
Whatever action you decide to take, let's take steps together to challenge gender stereotypes, stand up to violence against women, demand equality in education, and work to end oppression in all its forms. This month, my dress stands out as a symbol of strength and courage, not frailty. And together with our actions, it calls aloud for justice while quietly and immovably affirming dignity in all people.
Dressember is not only a fashion challenge, but a social justice campaign. It seeks to raise awareness about slavery and human trafficking, as well as raise money to support some reputable organizations that combat injustice in its many forms.
There are more than 30 million people trapped in slavery right now. That's more than ever before in human history. International Justice Mission, one of Dressember's partners, defines slavery as the use of lies or violence to force another person to work for little or no pay. It takes on many forms in today's world:
- Sex trafficking - compelling or deceiving people, of any gender, even children, to perform sex acts in exchange for money
- Forced labor - coercing a person to work for little or no pay, without the ability to leave
- Bonded labor - forcing a person to work at low wages to pay off an impossible debt--a debt often taken on as a result of extreme poverty, deception, and even inherited by the next generation in a family
- Involuntary domestic service - forcing a person to live and work in a home for little or no pay, unable to leave
- Child soldiers - making children fight in armed forces
Slavery is illegal everywhere, and yet it exists in every country. Why is that? It's because in many places the law is simply not enforced by the police or the legal system. In other places, places I have called home, injustice is prevalent but clandestine, and remains undetected, or downright ignored.
It's easy to dismiss human trafficking as a far-away issue, ignoring the fact that our touch-screen phone and afternoon chocolate have likely come to us through a supply line that at some point violently exploits children. And while we may think it's each government's responsibility to bring about change, it's clear that outside action is needed. As interconnected as the world is, I believe the responsibility to care for our neighbor falls on us. The issue is weighty, and justice seems unattainable. And yet, according to A21, another Dressember partner, slavery is more stoppable than ever before.
How can you make an impact? There are many ways. These are some you can do right now.
1. Learn about human trafficking.
Organizations such as Polaris Project provide lots of information, including signs to watch out for in your own community. Though the Internet makes trafficking easier and quicker nowadays, conversely, a quick search equips us with lots of knowledge and resources to fight it.Instead of using Netflix to escape, let it help you see through someone else's eyes, and give voices to stories that are often unheard. There are many documentaries that bring injustices to light, including The True Cost, and Finding Home, and Tricked, to name only a few. Or, in less than 20 minutes, let this TED Talk open your eyes to the injustices behind everyday bargains we enjoy.
2. Think about what you buy.
Start asking questions about the origins of the products you use. Who harvested the cotton, dyed the fabric, and sewed the item of clothing you found at a cheap price? Find out more about the complicated world of chocolate.Then, explore the exciting world of fair trade. No, we can't buy our way out of guilt, or solve complex problems with a shopping spree. But we can start to make small choices that have a big impact on communities all over the world.
I've learned a lot about ethical fashion from the Style Wise Blog. Although paying extra for fair trade artisan goods isn't always possible, there are many more options than we think. And one easy and very inexpensive way to responsibly refresh a wardrobe is buying secondhand. Thrift shops, or brechó, as they are called here, are becoming more fashionable, and are a treasure trove of sustainable fashion.
Dressember isn't an excuse to go out and buy a bunch of dresses. Through creativity and collaboration, participants can vary their wardrobe in different ways. Last year I wore the same dress all month, accessorizing differently each day. Sometimes I borrow items, or re-wear the same ones for many years (and no one seems to notice). This year I am alternating between three dresses--two made by survivors of trafficking in Nepal, and one thrifted from a local brechó. "Shop less, thrift more," is the song I'm singing more often these days.
3. Get engaged locally.
Find out about local organizations that combat or prevent human trafficking, and find out how you can get involved. When I lived in Boston, I supported Amirah, an aftercare facility for survivors of trafficking, as well as Route One Ministry, an outreach that builds relationships with exotic dancers, who often feel trapped in a line of work they didn't choose, and are susceptible to traffickers. It's not too difficult, and it makes a huge impact, when you find out what they need--supplies, a few bucks, or a few hours of your time, and use your unique resources to contribute. My husband and I hope to get involved with a local organization that works with at-risk youth and women here in São José.4. Consider partnering with me this Dressember.
Donations to the Dressember campaign bring about tangible change. They support organizations that have been vetted for cultural sensitivity, innovation, collaboration, measurable impact, and sustainability. They work with local communities to prevent injustice, rescue victims, prosecute perpetrators, and bring about holistic restoration to survivors.Plus, anyone who donates to my campaign will be included in a raffle to win a personalized caricature portrait of one or two people. The person who donates the highest amount will also be offered the same prize. And I hope to give a small piece of my art to anyone who makes a contribution above 5 USD.
And, whether or not you are a woman, it's also not too late to start your own campaign!
Whatever action you decide to take, let's take steps together to challenge gender stereotypes, stand up to violence against women, demand equality in education, and work to end oppression in all its forms. This month, my dress stands out as a symbol of strength and courage, not frailty. And together with our actions, it calls aloud for justice while quietly and immovably affirming dignity in all people.
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| Isn't it fitting how Dressember overlaps with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign? I love how these collaborative wings complement my dress! |
It's bigger than a dress.
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