I am delighted that my efforts to bring attention to the situation in Nigeria are receiving so much support. In addition to the various media outlets which have reached out to me, I am thrilled that Amy Poehler's "Smart Girls" is on board for the event. Although I wish I could do more for the girls, it is my hope that the rally and my blog posts can at least serve as a source of support and encouragement for their families. The more of us that speak out against this humanitarian crisis, the more pressure it puts on Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan to take further action. While I am aware that he has established a "presidential committee" and is seeking assistance from American and British officials, I sincerely hope that it isn't too late to locate the girls. Since sex trafficking moves so quickly, it is essential that the girls are rescued before they are sold into the neighboring countries of Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. Satellites indicate that as of now, the girls are in the Ashaka forest in the Gombe region of Nigeria (Sahara Reporters, 2014).
I hope that this atrocity serves as a wake-up call for the international community. How much longer can we live in a world where women's lives are devalued? How can we continue to turn a blind eye when children of color and youth in developing countries struggle? If anything, the Chibok abduction should completely change the manner in which we approach such situations in the future. Findings by Amnesty International indicate that the Nigerian government was aware of the attack by Boko Haram on the girls' school. In spite of having received warnings regarding attacks in Chibok, there were no troops deployed to the area. Although the government insisted that it responded with armed forces, helicopters, and airplanes after the abduction, a father of two missing girls said there were hardly any signs of military help (CNN, 2014). The fact that no preemptive action was taken to protect these girls is truly deplorable. Let's hope that the recently employed rescue efforts return the girls home safely.
I am glad that news stations and media sources around the world are finally actively covering the Chibok abduction. Although it is disappointing that it took so long, I am pleased to see the situation making multiple headlines. It is imperative that we stay up to date with global humanitarian crises. An attack on any group of people is an attack on humanity, and it is vital that we raise awareness about any such injustice. These girls were simply trying to attain an education and make a better life for themselves. I see myself in these girls---we are fairly close in age and have dreams and aspirations for ourselves. I cannot fathom the torture, violence, and degradation they have experienced. When I try to put myself in their shoes, my stomach churns. No human being should have to endure what these girls have. They must be brought back home so they can lead the bright, promising lives they were meant to lead.
I understand that there are some people who feel that the hashtags won't bring the girls back (The Guardian, 2014). While I do agree that we unfortunately can't do much to directly help, I believe that raising awareness goes a long way in tackling social problems. The social media posts and rallies serve as an avenue for the world to come together and speak out against this abomination. It was the protests by Nigerian parents and embassy rallies throughout the past 10 days which have pushed President Jonathan to take action. Not to mention, the public demonstrations reassure the families that the world cares about the plight of their daughters, granddaughters, nieces, sisters, and friends. I hope that Austin's #BringBackOurGirls rally will serve as another force in motivating the Nigerian government, and the world for that matter, to pool its resources for the girls. To the Chibok girls: we are praying for your safe return and will continue to advocate for you.
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