AS ROSEMARY Rheeders climbs every step of Mount Kilimanjaro’s 19 341 feet in February, she is well aware she will also be taking a step to combat oppression, slavery, exploitation and global human trafficking. The Durban North resident is one of 16 other women from around the world determined to climb Kilimanjaro’s challenging terrain for a cause.
As part of an Operation Mobilisation (OM) initiative called Freedom Climb, the event symbolizes the challenging climb that marginalized women face while struggling to emerge from oppression. Rosemary has dedicated her ascent to raising funds and awareness against human trafficking for the OM and Red Light organisations in South Africa.
“My interest in raising awareness for trafficked victims started many years ago when a lady from the Salvation Army spoke to my colleagues at work about the inhumane practice. I remember it clearly, she looked around the room and said every one of you could be trafficked.
“She took us through very personal stories of victims, who were often young girls and stats related to trafficking. That evening, when I closed my front door, I dropped my bag, and wept like a baby, as fear and the reality of human slavery and sexual abuse sank into my soul. All I could think about was my children, and how they, so easily could be stolen and hurt. I made a decision there and then that I could no longer be silent, but had to get involved, and make a difference by helping other women who were going through this.
“I eventually got involved with OM and when I heard about Freedom Climb, I decided to combine my dream to climb Kilimanjaro and my passion against human trafficking. I know we will not end slavery and human trafficking with this climb, but I am hoping to raise a greater awareness against this crime, and also highlight organisations like OM and Red Light, and the fantastic work they do,” she said.
Rosemary said the Kilimanjaro climb was also a spiritual journey for her, as it also symbolises the victory of her own personal ‘mountain climb’ to freedom.
“Within Red Light, some human trafficking victims work with the Create Freedom project, where they create jewellery using shaved bark, which is symbolic of restored hope and dignity and I will be carrying one of these hearts with me to the top of Kilimanjaro symbolic of carrying their heart to a place of freedom. I embraced this climb by faith, it has not been easy, and I have had to trust God every step of the way. but I realize more and more each day, that there is a bigger purpose to this climb,” she said.
If you would like to donate to Rosemary’s journey visit: www.generosity.com/volunteer-fundraising/kilimanjaro-challenge-2016 or email rheedersr@aforbes.co.za for more information.
Bank Details Account Name: Standard Bank, OM South Africa
Account Number: 331947331 Branch code: 051001
Reference: FCProjects [Rosemary Rheeders]
