Engagement on Human Trafficking

Patricia Latona speaking on human trafficking

The photos are proof. You can engage folks in serious discussion on the important topic of human trafficking.

On October 27, 2015, Peconic Bay Zonta sponsored a program on human trafficking at the North Shore Public Library. The audience numbered close to 30.

Patricia Latona was our speaker for the evening. Her knowledge of the topic and evident experience in presenting the material made the night a success. A member of the Zonta Club of Westchester, Patricia is a Zonta International representative to the United Nations and is active on the UN Committee to Stop Trafficking in Persons, which is dedicated to eliminating human trafficking though education, advocacy, research and monitoring of UN policies and treaties.

Patricia gave an overview of human trafficking and then showed the film "Not My Life." Shot on five continents in a dozen countries, this documentary takes viewers into a shocking world where millions of children are exploited through forced labor, domestic servitude, begging, sex tourism, sexual violence and child soldiering.

A runaway in the U.S. is forced into prostitution

Read text on screen

When the room lights came on, the silence was almost palpable, and it seemed that many in the audience were struggling to make sense of what they had seen on the library's big screen.

Patricia asked for questions and hands quickly shot up.

The ensuing discussion was lively, and Patricia was careful to suggest ways that folks could take action now and work toward long-range solutions to the problem.

Human trafficking is a big issue for Zonta International. Peconic Bay welcomes all who are interested in staying engaged. Join us!