Trade As One

Many of you know that every product available through Trade as One is made by someone with HIV/AIDS, escaping extreme poverty, or someone rescued from slavery/abuse. We have partners all over the world who work on the frontline of these crises, and we delight in telling their stories. Today we want to share a short story from Thailand. Rahab, our partners in Patpong, work with the women of the bars of the redlight district. They offer a safe, sustainable way out of prostitution, slavery, and abuse. Today we’re sharing the story of Net, a Rahab success story. Please read and pass it on. To see some of the jewelry that Net makes, click here.

Net’s Story

I came from a very poor family and had little opportunity to learn to read and write.  I had no chance at gaining good employment because of my inability to read. I married young but our family soon struggled financially so we came to Bangkok to work. My husband drank heavily and often beat me.  On one occasion he beat me severely in front of our two sons. He fractured my skull.  The oldest boy got me into a Tuk Tuk and took me to an Uncle who took me to hospital. I could have died. My husband also had another woman and was often with the other woman. He did not provide money to feed the children. My husband threatened to kill me and after the brutal beating, I took this seriously and left him as I feared for my life. Initially I worked in a factory, but the money was inadequate for me to provide for my family. I ended up working in the bars and even here I was victimized by my lack of learning. The Outreach Team at Rahab came to visit my bar, and they invited me to their Christmas party. I then left the bars and have been making jewelry for Rahab. Now I am happy.

We think her story shows the desperate choices many have to make when faced with the realities of extreme poverty. We’re extremely proud of Rahab’s work. To support them by purchasing their jewelry, click here.