Talikala's saving grace

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

LORIE, 36, was once a prostituted woman, starting at the tender age of 18. Her face now belies the past turmoil she has overcome since, replaced by a calm and contented mien.

For the past eight years, Lorie has been working as one of the advocacy staff of Talikala Inc., non-stock, non-profit social development organization helping to improve the quality of life of women who are victims and survivors of sex trafficking and prostitution.

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The turning point in Lorie's life as a prostituted woman was when a martial arts teacher who was a customer mauled her for acts she did not want to perform during a sexual encounter. With his brutal strength, he easily turned her face and body into an ugly mess. She thought she was going to die.

But Lorie found her saving grace with Talikala, first attending its counseling and therapy sessions.

"Diha magsugod nga mamulat ang mata nato nga ang prostitution is another form of human rights violation kay nawala ang atong self respect (The sessions will be the first step to open our eyes)," she says.

Being a single mother and having a son to support, Lorie was working as a receptionist at a bar and then driven to prostitution. Now with three children, she remains a single parent and help prostituted women who are beneficiaries of the center.

"Pag breadwinner ka, dili ana kasayon (Not easy being the breadwinner," she said.

Working at the center helped her hone her writing skills as she does most of the scripts for theater presentations of the group. She also goes to radio interviews and openly shares her views on prostitution, especially her past experiences. She now tells prostituted women not to lose hope.

For her success goes beyond material wealth. It means getting over painful experiences and being a good example for others to follow.

"Malipayon na kaayo ko karon. Naay mga tao nga andam magtabang sa imo. Dili ko maulaw sa akong ka-agi pero dili na sad ko mobalik sa ana nga trabaho (I am happier nowadays. There are people willing to help you. I am not ashamed of my past but I will not go back to that life again)," she says.

She says being once a prostituted woman makes her stronger now and less judgmental. "Gibuhat nako para mabuhi akong pamilya, dili para sa luho, imbes mangawat ko. Nobody can judge you (I did it so my family will have something to eat, not for selfish reasons)."

However, Lorie believes that prostituted women will not remain as such given the chance of employment or another livelihood. She urges real intervention from government to keep these women off the streets.

Extreme poverty drives some women to prostitution, she says, and all the more if they grew up in dysfunctional families.

"Ako gani nga maayo man akong pamilya, kumpleto, pero naadto pa sa ingana (I had a mother, father and brother but still I was driven to the trade)," she said.

This Christmas is going to a simple celebration for Lorie.

She plans to cook the usual fare prepared by most Filipino families during the holidays. Her wishes for Christmas are equally simple: good health and better education for her children. She does her best to guide them in right path by setting a good example in her daily life.

Lorie will be busy next year, with Talikala celebrating its 24th anniversary.

"Padayon gihapon ang barangay partnership and campaign against trafficking of women," she says.

Though she still struggles to give her children a better future, Lorie has given hope and a part of herself to the prostituted women of this city.