Little Lajwanti Lost (Brothels of India)
Plucked from family tree
nowhere near ripe
Sold to brothel
Dignity denied
She aches, lacerated
Beaten if she says “no”
Infected if she says “yes”
Enslaved since she was five
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
I saw a PBS special last night that changed my life. Although the perpetrators of violence against women in this film are mostly dark-skinned, it’s not a racist film – those who know me understand I’m open and outspoken about my own childhood sexual abuse, and we have plenty of work to do around the unearned shame of victims and survivors Stateside. This is about girls in Asia and Africa who lack support of any kind, who through no fault of their own are disowned by families after being raped, who are sold by families or total strangers into prostitution… and the brave women and men who risk all to come to their defense.
“Lajwanti” is a Hindi name that means “a sensitive plant.” I chose the name for the specific irony of the fate of mostly lower-caste girls. The sex slave trade in India is protected by local police bribery and fought by a lion-hearted woman named Somaly, who as a young girl was sold into slavery and now runs a refuge for the girls they are able to spring from the brothels. She says, “They are me.”
The PBS special about the film, Half The Sky, is not to be viewed with popcorn and brewskis. It is a brutally frank account of violence against women, from culturally sanctioned rape to girls as young as five sold into prostitution worldwide. From the brothels of India to the rape of girls as young as two years old in Sierra Leone (where to “devirginize” a girl is a matter of pride for the man), this film also shows some real-life heroines who deserve our support. Please click the link above to learn more.
There are stars, beginning with George Clooney’s commentary, along with several female stars traveling to witness and comfort the rescued girls. A tremendous scene: A former prostitute who was rescued, now aged 15, confronting a roomful of men and quizzing them on why condoms are useful. She even shows them how to open the packet without damaging the contents and looks them straight in the eye. Like I said, lion-hearted women.
If you want to help this vital movement on behalf of half the world’s population, visit THIS LINK.
As a “little white suburban girl” who was used for sex by her own father, I can tell you this: Look behind the siding of houses in your own neighborhood. Men who use girls (and boys) without conscience are everywhere, often trusted family friends or family members, scout leaders, upstanding clergy, teachers…
I am eternally grateful for this prompt, from Imaginary Garden With Real Toads, where Mama Zen asked for a poetic drama in 30 words or less, and Roger at ABC Wednesday (L). Also at my safe haven, Poets United.
Peace, Amy
Oct 04, 2012 @ 12:30:59
Your entire post is just overwhelming … a must read, a must see!
Oct 13, 2012 @ 02:05:37
Helen, I appreciate this so much. Do you have a blog I can visit? A
Oct 04, 2012 @ 12:45:27
I would definitely love to see this.
Catching up with ABC. Got busy the past couple of days and just now have the time to visit entries.
Leaping Chipmunk
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
Oct 13, 2012 @ 01:28:39
Rose, I’m with you on the catching up. It’s all I can do to visit folks at prompts and then come back here… Peace, and see you on your blog, Amy
Oct 04, 2012 @ 13:59:23
I will endeavor to catch it, though it seems depressing as hell.
To that end, I was watching the news (NBC?) within the last week and the Taliban was back in power in this Afghan town. The woman was about to be executed (by gunfire), I think for prostitution. The consequences to the guy? None.
Oct 13, 2012 @ 02:06:40
Worst that happens to man is a beating with a stick. That can mend. Stoning or shooting in the head is forever, and thank you for being a man who points this out. You are a keeper… A
Oct 04, 2012 @ 14:06:19
You are a courageous woman! Abuse and especially sexual abuse is the greatest crime committed! In our concentrationcamp on Java, 20 young girls from the age of 14 till 20 were chosen as comfortgirls. Their lives were destroyed for ever.
Your post is therefore very important. The world should know. Thank you!
Oct 13, 2012 @ 02:14:24
Wil, thank you for adding to my knowledge of abuses against women. It’s getting worse… I keep praying. Amy
Oct 04, 2012 @ 14:10:18
This is really powerful, important writing. Thank you, Amy.
Oct 04, 2012 @ 14:22:25
Great,powerful writing, Ameleh. Love you, Mosky
Oct 04, 2012 @ 15:11:33
thanks for this – I must do some follow up.
Oct 04, 2012 @ 17:27:15
Amy, Amy! (I like also that name Ameleh), you are a girl of action. Most Peeps sit–and wait?–wait for what? As I read this powerful posting it is all the proof I need to know there IS a hell, and SOME Peeps will end up there–for Eternity.
Your so-horribly-true “30-words” above pushed me into my old stronghold of hopelessness, into the fresh air of hope. Before I–or anyone–can affect a change-for-the-better, I (we) must change myself. Then, the world is my workplace.
We can think, talk, read, or we can DO!
Leave footprints in the sand
Or butt prints
Thank you for your work in this SO neglected hush-hush sinfulness. As God sheds also tears, I cannot help but wonder if He does not sometimes say to Himself, “I should never have allowed them “free will”…
Sincerely.
PEACE.
Steve
Oct 14, 2012 @ 15:06:30
Steve, thank you so much for a thoughtful, discerning comment. Sorry it’s taken this long to get back to you, but I’ve been going through Computer Follies for weeks now, and I cannot post on other computers because I have “WordPress Advanced,” so it doesn’t show up right…
I am on board with you all the way; I’m an activist from the word GO, my mom was a huge civil rights advocate and also LGBT friendly, explained the concept to me (without all the plumbing bits) when I was 5. (Of course, you don’t explain STRAIGHT “plumbing bits” to a 5-year-old in detail either!).
As for the God and free will thing, here’s my thought. If God had not granted humankind free will, how boring for the Creator. The way we’ve messed things up now, it must look like scrambled eggs with colorful sprinklers and M-80s when viewed from above. I don’t think God’s happy about the violence, and I do believe many of us make good choices, especially when we take time to be a peace with ourselves and our Maker. Peace to you, my friend. Amy
Oct 04, 2012 @ 18:19:27
Passion and conviction ~ sadly, you speak for many Amy ~ so moving
Oct 04, 2012 @ 20:13:24
What a powerful write Amy … I noticed this on last night and foolishly opted for the first Presidential debate (yawn) instead … will make a point of seeing this now for sure. Just when I think I’ve witnessed the worst that man can do, something else is shown that has me shaking my head and wondering wtf, but determined to start roaring anew … good for you for keeping your outrage fresh always. You do rock Ames, in so many ways.
Oct 15, 2012 @ 00:17:44
Sharon, isn’t it interesting that our cares, concerns, and woes generally center around what’s in front of us? Since the media are now all corporate entities, we see more cute kitten YouTubes and tweets than actual, hard-hitting news. I’m so grateful our local PBS station carries BBC news… it’s the best way to learn about what’s happening around the world, espec. in the States. They still believe in investigative journalism, not pretty faces that are talking heads. Bless you for your wonderful feistiness, sister! Love you – Ames
Oct 04, 2012 @ 22:34:25
An unforgettable film. Your poem and essay pick up and carry on that power. I do not think I could have lived through it, endured, or survived. Besides the meaning of the name you used, words like “plucked” “ripe” “Lacerated” continue the idea of a plant that deserved better. Howl is what I do–I am happy that someone can act.
Oct 05, 2012 @ 11:55:24
Amy, powerful poem and you are so brave to be forthwright on your childhood. One of the young women in our church founded angelhouse.me and builds orphanages in India. She won 250,000 on the show “Minute To Win It” and has used it for this purpose. She is planning on building more this coming year. Thanks for sharing about this movie, I will try and find it.
Ann
Oct 15, 2012 @ 00:38:34
Ann, what a wonderful story of strength, of sharing good fortune for the benefit of others less fortunate. God bless your member of your church for doing this work. I contribute to many causes, among them NAMI, the National Alliance of Mental Illness, because they do so much to lift the stigma of not only mental illness, but the root causes. For example, I have PTSD because of my childhood incest, and it’s manageable. I’ve also helped some folks get into counseling to speak openly about their experiences and get rid of the millstone they have been carrying for far too long… Bless you for letting me know about this. Most people would have taken the money and splurged on a plasma TV or something. This girl has real values. Amen! Amy
Oct 05, 2012 @ 13:40:48
Change comes about slowly, but there is change…Keep it up girl♫
Oct 05, 2012 @ 15:04:48
Have seen the program. Also read Nicholas Kristoff in NY Times on this subject.
Oct 15, 2012 @ 01:10:41
I will look up the Times article. Thanks, Lindy, for taking time to comment! Peace, Amy
Oct 05, 2012 @ 16:03:26
This is a fight we all have to join. It’s appalling to think that anyone would treat a child that way–here in the states or in other countries. It has to stop. Your poem though, while tragic is very beautiful. Thank you!
Oct 05, 2012 @ 23:24:11
I might have seen the same program and yes, what an awful tragedy that children so young should be treated in such a manner. So many third world countries seem to have no concept of the harm they do. Thank you for a well written post.
Oct 05, 2012 @ 23:37:30
this is the third poem i’ve read in the last half hour about conditions women and girls are subjected to all over the world ~ the MAJORITY of girls and women on this planet!!!
♥
Oct 06, 2012 @ 02:28:44
As ever, painful though it is, you paint it like it is.
Oct 06, 2012 @ 03:17:59
I feel so proud to read your posts, Amy. You are lion-hearted yourself in bringing your readers awareness of these awful truths.
Oct 06, 2012 @ 07:20:18
This is so true- I’ll never forget the first time I heard about sex slavery and it followed a Mother desperately seeking her daughter- across the globe…Great bold writing, keep it up. Thanks.
Oct 06, 2012 @ 15:28:44
ugh…what a brutal world we live in….i work with a group here locally that goes into sex bars in thailand and buys girls for the night so they can take them to be educated on other trades so that one day they might find their way out…
Oct 06, 2012 @ 17:33:26
Amy, I have the book and cant wait to see the film. But you must now also watch Born Into Brothels, a documentary about a young American woman who visited India, discovered young girls who were born into brothels and “the life”, and who used her photography to teach them how to take photos and sell them. She became impassioned about their situation and somehow made the documentary happen, in a desperate effort to fund their education and save them from entering that life. Very wonderful film!.
Oct 08, 2012 @ 07:46:55
Wow, this is so deep! What a powerful poem. Thank you for sharing. Many blessings and much love to you.
Subhan Zein
Oct 09, 2012 @ 06:09:09
a terrible choice conflict. and terrible reality too. aloha.
Oct 09, 2012 @ 07:45:00
You express so much in these words, Amy!
Brutal honesty opens eyes.