Minneapolis, MN / January 2024 / Dignity Coconuts has positioned itself at the forefront of the battle against human exploitation, making a substantial impact in the global campaign against trafficking. Armed with a fervent commitment to combat trafficking worldwide, the organization directs its unwavering attention to the United States and the Philippines. The organization’s impact is multi-faceted:
Empowering Vulnerable Communities: Dignity Coconuts is dedicated to fostering sustainable livelihoods among coconut farmers, strategically tackling economic vulnerabilities with the goal of mitigating the potential risks associated with trafficking activities. Through its innovative initiatives, the organization strives to uplift these vulnerable communities, ensuring that their economic well-being is safeguarded and promoting a future free from the threats posed by trafficking.
Promoting Ethical Practices: Dignity Coconuts takes a stand in promoting ethical practices, spearheading a movement for fair trade. By ardently advocating for fair trade principles, this organization not only establishes a global benchmark but also plays a crucial role in actively countering the detrimental impact of predatory loans and corrupt buying practices that fuel human trafficking.
Community Engagement: Dignity Coconuts actively fosters close collaboration with local communities, delving into the intricacies of their unique dynamics. The organization diligently identifies and strategically addresses a myriad of factors within these communities that render them vulnerable to trafficking. Through this proactive approach, Dignity Coconuts aims not only to mitigate these risks but also to create a lasting impact that strengthens the resilience of these communities against such challenges.
Erik Olson, President of Dignity Coconuts, was recently featured on CBS News, with one testimony by a farmer, Ivy, emphasizing the impact the company has had on their lives, stating, “The impact of Dignity has been incredible for me because I don’t have to find or be away from my family to find a good paying job. Dignity also allowed me, as a woman, to have the confidence to be a leader.”
Relevance in the Global Context
Human Trafficking Statistics in the U.S.: Operation RoundUp reveals the U.S. as the largest consumer of child pornography globally, with trafficked children from the Philippines being a primary source.
Philippines Trafficking Landscape: In 2022, an estimated 471,416 Filipino children fell victim to child sexual exploitation, constituting approximately 1 in every 100 children. The government identified the Philippines as a leading source of trafficking victims in 2023, emphasizing the critical role initiatives like Dignity Coconuts play.
Erik Olson stressed the urgency, stating, “Over 30 million women and children woke up this morning without the choice of what they’ll do, or who touches their body. There are more slaves today than at any time in history. Today, we have three times the amount of people caught and sold as slaves between the 15th and 19th centuries. Alarmingly, 80% of noted sex trafficking survivors eventually get re-trafficked if they fail to find a safe and dignified job.”
About Dignity Coconuts
Dignity Coconuts is a social enterprise that is disrupting the coconut industry, which exploits farmers and puts them at-risk of trafficking. Their Award Winning Raw Coconut Oil is ethically and sustainably produced. Located in the poorest area of the Philippines, Dignity’s direct trade and community development provides a path for farmers to escape slavery and restore their dignity.
Published by: Martin De Juan
