I chose Rosie the Riveter as the main inspiration as she was representative of the feminist movement and worker’s rights, in response to the two main types of trafficking: sex trafficking and labor trafficking. 

In the quilt, Rosie’s hand is seen to be restrained by tape not only to symbolize the physical inability to leave, but also the trapped, traumatized mental state the survivors are in while not being able to receive any quality healthcare. Rosie’s eyes are covered with tape to show the invisibility of survivors in society, both before and after their liberation. Many trafficked survivors cross border control points while being trafficked, but their status goes undetected. After their rescue, the survivors are expected to return as an active and capable member of society without the proper help. Many people aren’t aware of the effort and aid necessary to recover from such a traumatic experience, and many survivors’ stories are invalidated or ignored.

 I chose to embroider the outline of the text “Say My Name” as I wanted each red thread to represent all victims and survivors, of all sex, age, and background, to honor them, and to show support and validation in their recovery. Red represents valor and braveness, and also the blood that has been shed from both survivors and victims. The words are left as an outline to represent all the victims that are still missing. “Say My Name” can be interpreted as the validation of trauma experiences and the recognition for the lack of aid given. Many people are forgotten and experience further abuse after being rescued due to the state of their health, and the victim blaming culture takes away the voice of those who have suffered.