Raised in a home with foster siblings and now as mother of two adopted children, Jamie Driggers of Hillsboro (Kan.) MB Church has always had a heart for widows, orphans and other marginalized people. Last December her advocacy for justice took a unique turn as she teamed with Dressember, an international campaign in which women wear dresses for the month of December to raise money and awareness to fight human trafficking. Interview by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest.
What drew you to Dressember?
If I can wear a dress and help fight the exploitation of women, why wouldn’t I?
How does the campaign work?
We have fun with it, posting pictures on Facebook and telling people how they can give on our website pages. Sometimes people just hand me money in the grocery store. Our team of six raised $2,890.
What impact does it have on the participants?
Every morning when it’s cold and we aren’t reaching for our jeans we find ourselves praying for women who aren’t getting any choices.
What does Dressember mean when they refer to women who are “exploited for their femininity?”
In much of the world women are seen as an expense, not a gift. A baby girl might be drowned, parents mourn if their baby is not a son, dads sell their daughters for a dowry at 13. We need to educate women and show they can be productive citizens.
Why is fighting for justice so important to you?
Isaiah 58 says if we want our light to shine we have to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. The whole Bible from front to back says taking care of the poor is our responsibility.
Do you really think wearing a dress can really make a difference?
I believe in everyday advocacy. Small decisions matter—our purchases, all our little daily choices are going to make a difference in the end.
For more information find Jamie Driggers on Facebook.com.
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