When I first arrived at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor’s Trotter Multicultural Center to attend the presentation given by Lydia Cacho that was sponsored by UM’s Division of Student Affairs, I didn’t know what I was in for.  Honestly, I wasn’t really familiar with Cacho’s work or the person that she is until she started to share her experiences.

Cacho was the first woman to publicly expose organized crime involved with child pornography, sexual tourism, and trafficking of women and children not only in Mexico but all of Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.  According to Cacho, it is a $30 billion a year business.  She was also the first woman to have filed a federal lawsuit against Mexico’s attorney general, a Mexican governor and a Mexican judge for corruption and for attempted rape in prison. Cacho’s work and constant battle against the violation of human rights and exploitation of women and children has resulted in her imprisonment and life being repeatedly threatened.  Despite such dangers, she continues the fight to protect human rights in Mexico and other countries.

Cacho has toured the world offering conferences to promote education about human rights, freedom of expression and inspiration to change the world and to put a stop to such illicit practice.  She has written various books to include her latest one titled Slaves of Power: A Journey Into Sex Trafficking and The World to be released worldwide in 2010 and is expected to be translated into a number of languages including English and Spanish.

The students in the audience were engaged and asked questions, while Cacho explained that while Mexico is a county rich in culture and traditions, sex trafficking and violation of human rights are also some of the realities she confronts.

In addition, Cacho explained that corruption is a constant battle in Mexico for battered women and abused children, as the violation of human rights in Mexico is constant and human rights laws are not implemented.  Often, the batterer is protected by corrupt police and officials.   She is the founder and director of CIAM (Centro Integral de Atención a la Mujer)—Shelter for Battered Women and Children.  It is a highly secure facility that offers assistance to women and children looking to escape physical abuse and the world of sex trafficking.  Cacho explained that the idea of creating CIAM came about when she stayed in a battered shelter herself, in order to fully understand an abused victim’s experience.

She added that it has been challenging to protect abused victims in Mexico.  “We have a strong macho mentality in Mexico. The fact that I am a strong, intelligent, woman, and a successful journalist, and not a victim—the government does not know what to do with me,” Cacho explained.

Most importantly, during Cacho’s presentation, students expressed interest in getting involved. They asked her questions on what they should do.  She explained to them that, as the younger generation, they should see that human rights laws are enforced.

“Start questioning your friends, men, and people” Cacho stated.  “Talk to your politicians and ask them to make a change – be heard. Our job is to be good human beings. Make a change, make an impact, change the world!”

Author: Paola Bravo

Photos: Salvador Cid III

Editor’s Note: Sigma Lambda National Sorority-Beta Chapter and The Hispanic Heritage Month Committee at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor organized Kermez de los Derechos—the event that featured Lydia Cacho.   Our apologies for any misunderstandings.