Global Solidarity

We all have a responsibility to protect the weak, vulnerable, and oppressed, although doing so is very often challenging. In a situation like this, where prostitution is clearly an accepted and common practice for women in Mah Gul's area, it is very difficult to solve the central problem. Women may be forced into prostitution because of lack of money, so clearly the most effective way to help them is to set them up in other jobs. We can provide temporary assistance to such women who are victimized, including shelter and therapy, but it is not as helpful as providing them with a lasting way to make money for their family. Helping women involved with prostitution has a smaller response than aiding countries that have suffered from natural disasters for a few reasons. First of all, prostitution is not a one-time problem: it is always happening, and thus is harder to conquer. Second of all, some people may see prostitutes as not deserving of assistance, although sometimes they truly are just as innocent as those who suffer from natural disasters. Catholic Social Teaching, however, teaches us that we have help all those in need, not just who we see as innocent. One of its principal teachings, in fact, tells us that we have to visit those in prison, who clearly are not innocent. Therefore, we must take as much responsibility in helping women like Mah Gul better their lives just as much as any other person living in destitution.