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By Kristina Jackson
On May 17th, two District 11 GFWC Woman’s clubs in the Miami area – the Coral Gables Woman’s Club and the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove came together to present an interactive Self-Defense Class for Women with education on Human Trafficking. 49 were in attendance in person and simultaneously on Zoom. This event was well represented by women of all ages and some mother/daughter pairs were there together. The event started with a welcome to the participants by Kristina Jackson (Civic Engagement Chair- CGWC) and Carol White (Human Trafficking Chair- Coconut Grove) representing their respective clubs. Commissioner Sabina Covo from Coconut Grove was recognized, and she kindly spoke to the audience on the importance of this event in our community and the bravery of families and organizations coming together to fight human trafficking. Photos were taken with the Commissioner Covo and the 2 club representatives and Presidents. Then, there were youth volunteers who performed- one teen girl sang “Rise Up” and while another young man in black karate attire gave a Samauri sword presentation. Afterward, the youth bowed and kneeled before Shanika Ampah, the Founder of the nonprofit organization Guiding Light Outreach, Inc. (GLO). They gifted her with a special Samurai sword wrapped in a dark blue-ribbon bow- the color of Human Trafficking Awareness. The presentation of the Samuri sword was done to honor Ms. Ampah for her bravery as a warrior and survivor of human trafficking in our community who now helps significant numbers of survivors. Her organization GLO helps support the needs of human trafficking survivors as they restore their lives by addressing social issues and traumatic events.
In her presentation, Shanika Ampah spoke on her own story of being sexually trafficked as a child/ teen starting at the age of 11 -18 all the while being an Honor student enrolled in school and living at home with 2 parents in middle class neighborhoods. She spoke on the insidiousness of the groups who target our children in the physical world and online for trafficking. Sadly, and shockingly, she shared that many otherwise respected local leaders in law enforcement, education, community, business and WOMEN were involved in her trafficking ordeal. She educated the group on current human trafficking trends and tactics. She gave tips on how to safeguard your children at home and in the community and then allowed time for the participants to ask questions.
After the moving presentation, the GFWC clubs quickly transitioned into the self-defense instruction part of the program. Clubwoman Carol White is Owner and Sensei at White Tiger & Dragon Martial Arts provided the training for the self-defense. Participants learned real life examples of how to use the AID method- Avoid, Ignore and Defend against possible attackers. Martial arts trainers worked one on one with each woman to demonstrate simulated attacks while the woman used defensive moves learned to get away.
At the end of the event, it was announced to participants that ALL PROCEEDS raised for the event was being donated by GFWC Coral Gables Women’s Club and the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove to GLO- Guiding Light Outreach, Inc. this was welcomed by a standing applause. A check for $1680 was then presented to GLO’s Founder Shanika Ampah.
