© 2024 WEKU
Lexington's Radio News Leader
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
WEKU's Spring Campaign for Support Ends Friday. It's Not Too Late to Become a Supporter or Make an Additional Gift. Click here to make your donation!
Business and the Economy

New Employment Opportunities for Women Rescued from Sex Trade

Stu Johnson

A St. Louis woman is helping employ women rescued from human trafficking at 15 centers established in the United States and around the world.  Dawn Manske is in Lexington this week for the 19th Ending Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Conference.

Manske got her first up close look at human trafficking while living in China.  That time and other experiences led her to form ‘Made for Freedom’ where products are made by women paid a good wage in a safe place. “Women coming out of red light districts, being rescued from brothels, coming out of extreme poverty situations, devaluation of the girl child, things like that,” noted Manske.

The items that have been made include pants, cross body bags, jewelry, and T-shirts.  Manske says over the last three plus years more than 10,000 hours of dignified employment has been logged. “The more we can sell product the more they can provide jobs and with every piece that we sell jobs are being created,” Manske said.

In addition to two centers in St. Louis, other restoration employment facilities are located in places like Haiti, Ghana, Thailand, and China.

WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.
Related Content