Bras liberate women from sex slavery
By Lisa Cohen, CNN
Editor's Note: How can individuals help combat modern day slavery? Watch "Taking a Stand, Making a Difference".
Denver, Colorado - Staring down a mountain of bras in her basement, Kimba Langas knew things had gotten out of hand.
The stay-at-home-mom started collecting unwanted bras as a way to help women on the other side of the world. It started small through word of mouth, and then a Facebook page.
But the bras quickly overran her home in suburban Denver, Colorado. They were in her basement, in her garage, in her car. They were in bags, in boxes, in envelopes. Her husband, Jeff, tried to navigate his way around them, but it wasn't easy.
"He was constantly moving boxes out of his way to access his tools," Langas said. "Down in the basement is where he keeps his table saw and other large tools, so besides having to move boxes, he would suffer a scolding from me from getting sawdust all over the bras!"
And the neighbors were beginning to talk, too. "If the weather's nice I usually count and box up bras in my garage," Langas said. "The neighborhood boys who are always around playing in the cul-de-sac try to pretend they're not watching!"
Langas collects unwanted bras for a charity called "Free the Girls" which gives them to young women coming out of sex trafficking in Mozambique - not to wear, but to sell in used clothing markets where bras are a luxury item and command top dollar.
The girls can make three times the average wage, more than enough to support themselves and not be trafficked again.
Sitting in her living room packing boxes of bras with her four-year-old son, Wyatt, she reflects on how quickly the little project took off.
It was the pastor of her church who came up with the idea for "Free the Girls." He was planning on moving to Mozambique for missionary work, and called Langas to see if she would run the project with him. She thought it sounded like fun.
"One of the things that was so appealing to me for "Free the Girls," besides the catchy name, was donating bras," she said. "I had probably five or six bras in the back of my drawer. As women, you know, we buy a bra, don't try it on, get it home, wear it once, it doesn't fit. And it's one of those items where you'd like to donate it when you donate clothes to a charity, but you're not sure. Do we donate bras? What do we do with bras?"
Apparently, that sentiment resonated with women across the U.S.. Shortly after launching the Facebook page, the bras started coming. The response was much bigger than she expected.
"I remember in the beginning how excited I would get to pick up envelopes and small boxes, and wow, if a box had 50 or even 100 bras that was crazy," Langas said. "And all of us of sudden, you know, 800 bras, 1,000 bras, 1,250 bras.
"There was a drive in Arizona and the women collected 8,000 bras. There's a church in Tennessee that collected 3,000 bras. There's a group here in Denver that collected 1,250 bras. It's just one of those things that caught on and spread."
It spread so much that Langas had to rent a storage unit to hold them all. But now she has a big problem: How is she going to move 25,000 bras 10,000 miles (15,000 kilometers)?
A shipping container would cost $6,500; money she says she just doesn't have. When she hears about people traveling to Mozambique, she asks them to take an extra suitcase with them, filled with bras. But her goal is to raise enough money to ship all of them.
In the meantime, she is encouraged by the volunteers helping her and motivated by the young victims she is fighting for, happy to do her small part in the fight to end modern-day slavery.
"Eventually it is going to change," she says. "I know it is. And if it's not in my generation, I hope that my son gets to see major change and I hope, by the time he's out of college or maybe even my age, hopefully sooner, he will be like, "Slavery? What? Oh, I read about it in my textbook."
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God Bless You..
God bless your.....
No before and after pictures so we can properly assess the point of the article?
Let's liberate some more.....drop them panties
Let's leave fairy tales and ignorance out of it.
Then why are you responding?
the woman in this article started this charity with her church pastor, so... the "fairy tale" is the entire basis of this article anyway.
@L–
And yet those that don't believe in the "fairy tale" haven't done a thing. Hmmm I wonder which is better.
Yes, yes women should free their breästs from the slavery of bras. I 100% behind movement.
I BELIEVE THAT WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT BRAS WAS NOT SO MUCH WHAT YOU ANSWERED. ALL BREASTS SHOULD HAVE AND BE SUPORTED
My nuts are out plowing a field........no more underpants!!!
Lived in West Africa for 2 years and spent a fair amount of time in the markets. Never saw any "indigenous" bra industry. They are almost all imported from China and sold in markets. Why not donate them and allow women to make a larger profit instead?
good post... i hope somone ..."readsandlearns"!! 🙂
ummm – seriously? I wish you were within arms reach 🙂 honestly...
On a side note....3 cheers for (o)(o)!! hip hip hurray! hip hip hurray! hip hip hurraaaaaay!!!
SAVE THE TA-TAs. Oh, wait, wrong charity. Still, this is awesome. I'm going to encourage my wife to donate ALL of her bras – talk about a win-win!
So CNN runs this story but cannot cough up the $6,500, They make plenty of money. $6,500 is nothing to them. Why not run the story and state that the news channel is helping out.
+1
you do realize this article is a way for her to ask for donated airspace? I'm all for it, but begging is begging. Just call it what it is.
Am I getting stupid or is this article as well as this effort to free slavery way out of point? What is the sense of sending bras when those girls need an urgent training and start up on another trade. Are these bras a marketing promotion support on their current trade? Do not give them fish please, teach them to catch fish. ..But in this funny case if those bras are laced or supported it may also help them catch fishes. This is all absolutely wierd.
Well intentioned, no doubt, but it's "charities" like this that can kill off nascent African garment industry! I can see emergency food aid when needed, but non-emergency aid - be it food or garments - is bad for Africa industries. Actually, handouts are not that great for Africa as a whole either.
Voting GOP this year I see.
lets hope, as we're seeing the end of funds for the welfare handout crowd. Reality sux
Splasher6: Leave everything behind, go to some African village and try to make it on your own and tell me how much reality sucks. If you so much as accept a $5 bra I'm going to inform you of how you are violating the golden rules of capitalism and are ruining everything. Oh yea, but you also have to work as a s** slave for 10 years first.
You poor poor republican with your precious tax money which you manifested out of thin air without any help from previous generations, infrastructure, public services, and a stable government. God forbid anyone take that from you and do more of those things which didn't help you get your money to begin with.
I'd bet any money you're a Republican trying to make Democrats look bad.
How much of my income is sufficient payment for those "government benefits I've benefited from"? Is that fair justification to take absolutely any amount of my paycheck at any time? It seems like that argument can be applied indiscriminately and used to justify taking as much as government likes. There are lots of even hidden cost of government and working. In essence I'm paying (10% education tax so I can get a good paying job, 13% social security tax that I won't get because to actually retire I'll means test out of, the 4% inflation tax (that excludes increases in everything that inflates[food and energy],the 6% sales tax at the register, the 10% the government/state steals from each paycheck, there is the corporate tax of 35% that is built into each product I buy, and then there is the cost of government compliance that goes into every product. That's close to 80%! In essence I'm giving up 80% of my paycheck with the illusion I'm giving them less. So, if 80% isn't enough, what is? 90? 100? 110?
I certainly am. Fool me once shame on you, you'll never get another chance.
Oh look, it's L. Ron Paul.
You know what else is bad for Africa?
Slavery and forced rape
Know what else is bad for Africa? Black people.
WinterKill ya mom says Hello!!
ughh well they started it... ouch reality has such a little hold in the PC liberal mindset... try to deal with it as it is real
Yea, Europe goes through 2 world wars, multiple genocides and economic meltdowns at the whole first half of last century to become what it is now. Africa doesn't immediately become first world the moment it's independent and you say they are inferior. Not to mention they don't even own their own resources because those foreign companies weren't about to leave everything behind.
Forced rape? Is there any other kind?
yes, statutory
Rather than killing off Africa's chance for indigenous industries by having charities giving away "free" used bras and clothing, a much better way is to help create jobs for women over there!
This is creating jobs for those women over there. Just because they did not manufacture those bras does not mean selling them is not a job. You are an idiot.
You are correct, but they will not see it. Fifty years of foreign aid, and Africa is practically back at ground zero. Worse, even.
Why would anyone there want a job when the White Man simply gives them what they need?
Bob: Like their own resources? Oh sorry, that ISN'T what the white man gives them.
@Guest:
Way to go - solve slavery and rape by killing off jobs for the rest!
Really? You think giving a small number of needy woman a helping hand is really going to kill of an industry in Africa? Grow up and lend a hand to someone in need.
I agree.
makes perfect sense to me...
i fact, i think you and your family should quit your jobs so someone else can have them. that way, you will create jobs.
But is it just a small number of needy women? Look at the entire "charity" efforts from the US and Europe, etc.! Obviously, it's not the only reason for Africa's stunted industries, but it is an important one. Emergency food help when people are starving or medicine for a horrible outbreak? Yes, of course. But "day to day" charity is hurting Africa overall.
of oucrse they could help themselves... omg reality again next thing you know someone will suggest birth control dam
While I understand why and how you've come to this conclusion, let me ask, since you don't think a boost up for someone that has limited to no life skills is a good idea, what would you suggest/do to help the issue? Why aren't you doing it?
Yay for you. Great comment.
So you say you "understand", but your retort is nothing more than a masked personal attack? How is that helpful?
easy cowboy nobody attacked you and Africa is a continent not a country ...but in Namibia..they make clothes to EXPORT to the U.S. here: The plant (which represents the fi rst clothing and
textile company in Namibia) turns cotton (imported duty free from West Africa) into
garments for the US market. that quote was from:The Future of the
Textile and Clothing Industry
in Sub-Saharan Africa
Bonn: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, 2006
this is about a company Ramatex from Malaysia who are opening a textile plant in Namibia...so it seems maybe they could use the bras afterall... hopefully the bras wont end up back here...
jus sayin
It is not up to us to create a better Africa. How plain can I make it? Africa is not a perpetual child that needs the patronizing "help" of the first world. Leave them alone.
Do you really think the emerging African garment industry is going to help get these girls off the street and out of slavery? Whatever temporary measures can be taken to free these girls may make the difference in the rest of their lives.
Do you really believe that this will make a difference??
You obviously havent lived in Africa.
Muldoon – I grew up in a dirt poor Asian country in the 1960's. And yes, we started with garments because we didn't have the skill sets to make anything else (basic agriculture aside). Good thing my own parent's sweater factory didn't have to face "free sweaters" from kindhearted westerners! No way they could survive that - and would have lost everything, and the workers would have lost their jobs!
And it is from garments that folks got money to put their children in school - and after 3 more decades of toiling - my "formerly dirt poor" now makes Acer, Asus and HTC computers, tablets and smartphones!
China too is pulling its people out of poverty. If 1.3 billion poor Asian peasants can do it, so can Africa. But flooding them with free used garments is the wrong answer.
Readandshare- shipping 25,000 bras to Africa is not going to cause much of a blip in sales of Vietnamese bras in Africa. However, some investment in manufacturing would help. Unfortunately, government corruption is so rampant in Africa that investors tend to shy away – takes too much in bribes and you don't know how long it will be before they kick you out. Until that changes, help at the bottom level is always appreciated.
Let's see. Who do you think controls the these garment industries in Africa? I would have to say men, who care not what happens to the women that are victimized. In fact, probably a lot of them involved in that too. I wonder what your feelings would be if if was your wife, daughter, sister, mother, was one of the victims. Then again, who knows, maybe you are someone who thinks rape should be legal. Kudos to this woman who is trying to help other women. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
In Ghana where I live, in fact, the women control the markets. Market women are an economic and political force in Ghana, and I imagine they are in other African countries with matrilineal societies, as well. Don't jump in there and give men credit (or blame) where they don't already earn it for themselves. Credit the women where they are strong!
crystalangel336, what are you doing to help other than running your mouth like a motorboat? That goes for all you talkers, I suspect you are doing nothing but argueing and couldn't care less about these people and will forget about all this as soon as this blog closes.
Did you know that many African communities, which are extremely poor, bras aren't made or available. Let me guess; you would protest Op Shops, or other used clothing stores because Vercase might lose a sale? Also, can't you tell the difference between a hand up and a hand out?
I agree – this well-meant charity will have unintentional and negative consequences.
Good thing no one is giving them the diamonds that are in their own soil but owned by foreign companies!
Sorry, not companies, company. De Beers. Some farmer finds diamonds, De Beers buys his land for like a million dollars and he doesn't know any better. Surprise! Now they own 90% of them and Africa can't even sell its own resources.
But year, free bras to sell. The height of injustice. How dare you expect a hand up after you've been walked all over.
If future follows present trends, if DeBeers gave them up, they'd land up in the hands of a dictator's buddy and quickly fall into disarray. Sad to say, many Africans lived better under the British than they do under their current rulers.
All of these people talking about how this kills industry in Africa are obviously not adherents of the Capitalist system. Get a needed product, sell it for less, make money. Isn't that the way it's supposed to work? If industry in Africa could outperform this, why aren't they doing it? And why aren't American investors dropping money into textile start ups? After all, most of these bras are made in southeast Asia anyway. Why couldn't a savvy investor switch from one low cost labor country to another one? Conclusion – these people griping are obviously not capitalists or conservative – they must be – GASP – liberals!
A wonderful thought and clearly motivated by Christ's teachings but not a sutainable solution to resolving the issue. The selfish would say we should never give charity since that destroys the ability to survive on one's own and the emotional giver will say we should give everything away (read socialism). In reality they are both wrong! We all should give until it hurts to support those who have nothing but our support should be uplifting and self sustaining (teaching a trade, a skill, container farming...). Socialism is unrealistic because humans are not eutopian; raw capitalism fails because greed robs us of our humanity (that's why its a sin); Capitalism with limits and an opportunity for everyone to achieve success....that's what made our county great and a shining example for the world....When that returns, I'll move back....
ReadandShare is right. In this case however the women are a specific group and are getting them to sell to keep them out of being trafficked, so I am more supportive. Definitely if the money can be donated so that stock can be purchased from African bra companies that would be best though as a woman I believe that most bras are made not in Africa but in other countries/continents.
Bras all over the world come from Asia and there is no underwear industry in Africa, nascent or dying, so no damage in this particular case. But you are basically right. There was a flourishing textile industry, small scale but nonetheless, up until the 80s. Then the US and Europe forced Africa to lower trade barreers and African markets where swamped with "charity clothes", killing off everything else. The same happened with almost everything else, making Africa much poorer today than it was 30 years ago.
Mattyice2423 on November 6, 2011 Hey Jon I commented on the aitrcle but I forgot to put my twitter so my name on there was mcmcorrea24 and my twitter is @mattyice2423
Fail in reading comprehension for you, 'ReadandShare.'
ReadandShare-
So, if you're car breaks down on the side of the expressway, no one should help you, right? After all, what would that teach you about self-reliance and preventative maintenance? If we robbed you of the chance to walk home we would be contributing to your undoubted obesity...
thats awesome Melvin!!
Word!!!
Can't tell if trolling or just stupid.
Mike, you poor baby. If you need a way out of this horrible situation, what about suicide?
"...kill off nascent African garment industry" Bras? Really?! Last time I looked in the National Geographic as a kid, or climb out from under my proverbial rock, I didn't think there was a "nascent African garment industry" to kill off. Fascinating to me, that people would slam someone from finding a niche to do some good. What a shame. Just because [the last time you were in African and didn't see it, doesn't mean her efforts are having some positive effect.
mike is useing voodoo economics...we do not have anywhere near an 80% tax rate...not even an effective rate... typical scare tactics used by the right... but they aint right!! 🙂
Absolutely inspiring. I'll check and see if there is one in Washington state.
This is so touching. What Langas is doing is indeed a moving act of charity. If just of all of us could do something to alleviate the suffering of others, this world could be a better place for all of us, and not just for a priviledged few. All of us, I've just realized, has something to do in our small way but in the long run will be great. Imagine 10,000 bras from 6!
Imagine... 10,000 bras that an African business couldn't sell - and may be forced to close down! Great for western "feel good" emotions - but bad for Africa's economy overall. Really, read up on the subject!
yeah, you're right ReadandShare. What this woman is doing is a disgrace. I can't believe how selfish she is for wanting to help some people in need. Do us all a favor and stop trying to find the "bad" in everything that's good to the rest of the world. You're in the minority with your point of view.
All charities are disgust me. They ruin the chance for businesses to sell things.
To the imposter right under 'Clark' - stealing my handle and making idiotic comments - that reflects nothing but your own character defect. End of story.
You keep making this about Africa's economy. But it isn't. It is about desperate women who need help, and someone willing to do that. Yes, the long term, big picture should be about helping them all, but the short term is to save these women. That is what she is doing. I don't see you doing it. In fact, all you are doing is confusing the issue.
"You're in the minority with your point of view." He explains that his parents used to knit sweaters and he can't separate them from these African women. He's against charity because it undermines his mom's sweaters or some such nonsense. Give up trying to reason with him.
^ dude stop trolling and being a child. Unless you're just this stupid then I feel bad for everyone around you.
hey Tbone...are you on RFM too? just askin!! 🙂
Readandshare-
Do you imagine that there is an African Walmart on every corner? This is largely a barter society, and this provides these women with valuable bartering tools. It's not like there's a lingerie shop on the corner wondering where all their customers are. You are the definition of a cynic.
Contact the shipping lines directly; they often let slow freight from charities ride free IF and only IF the ship doesn't fill up with cargo. You might have to wait for a ship with free space, but it would be free.
Readandshare is nearly hysterical about these women being saved. He's against it, because Africa is such a tiny place that sending them stuff might devastate their entire economy. Also he hates seeing black people happy, but that's not his main concern. He just wants to do what's Right.
Hugh Jass... ah-ha-ha-ha-ha!
A Ossiane et e0 ses fervents boergulugs,une belle anne9e riche de rimes puissantes.Le ciel peut attendre.Nous irons cueillir scilles et pas-d’e2ne.Nous longerons les rives de nos reaves.Le ciel peut attendre.Nous irons humer les fines violettes.Nous toucherons les douceurs e9phe9me8res.Le ciel peut attendre.Nous irons dormir sous le pin discret.Nous e9couterons les airs nostalgiques.Le ciel peut attendre.Nous irons gofbter la fraise des bois.Nous e9clairerons le puits de la nuit.Nous attendrons sous le ciel de minuitles vœux les plus tendres.
Hugh Jass wrote, "ReadandShare... hates seeing black people happy".
That is very condescending of you. Africans live their lives much as the rest of the world does. Sure, many are poor, but their happiness does NOT depend on western handouts!! Shame on you, Jass.
Are you trying to say that I'm a Hugh Jass? Takes one to know one, my monomaniacal friend.
Word.
I am proud of this woman for trying to help out others. More of us need to think like this. We are put on this earth to help each other. Way to go Kimba!
Somebody find this broad a hobby
She does have a hobby; it's called she saves exploited women's lives. You should not be allowed to live you trolling idiot.
Incredible how people are never satisfied and always find something to nag about. This lady is doing something great and people are still critisizing her.
Not to criticize you but what this woman is doing is AMAZING! That is all and I agree 100%. This lady is awesome. Exploited women need help BIG TIME. This lady is an angel to these women. Who better to help these women but another woman.
I would love to be I would love to be able to fit into these bras. Unfortunately my pre pregnancy size is a 40H and I am half way torguhh my pregnancy .I have to shop in a special bra shop in which I usually pay about $150 a bra. I want to breastfeed however it may prove difficult should i not be able to get a nursing bra at the end of this pregnancy. This is my current on going mission at the moment .bra shopping. LOL
Thank God for people like Langas and her Pastor, whose thought is geared towards a better life for those unjustly treated in the world by wealth hungry persons at the expense of others. Please,lets consider others in our quest to make money.
Readandshare. Have you any ideas on how jobs can be created in Africa? Have you been there?
I have been to Africa, Bangladesh, etc. - and I grew up in a dirt poor country in Asia back in the 1960's. Back then, and like with China today - the road out of poverty is jobs! No single easy answer, but textiles was the industry that pulled my country out of subsistence farming! Thank heavens westerners didn't flood my country with "free used garments" cause my parents' factory could never compete against that, and would have to shut down and lay off all their workers! Instead, textiles grew and folks were able to put their kids through school - and now, my formerly dirt poor country makes Asus, Acer, HTC, etc. computers, tablets, and smartphones!
Emergency food aid or medical aid are the right things to do... but not this "day to day" charity!
ReadandShare,
I just want to clarify a few points. The women who sell these bras actually purchase them at an incredibly discounted rate. So they are not technically "free" to the girls but they help "Free the Girls" from slavery by offering them a job and an opportunity (like your parents) to start their own business in their home country therefore increasing the commerce in their country.
The whole point of this charity is job creation. Women who used to be enslaved are now able to support themselves as bra merchants. It's really quite simple.
Liz:
Is it really quite so simple? Do you know for a fact that while these women are making some much-needed money... that perhaps other women nearby got thrown out of work before the business they work for can't compete with 'nearly-free' bras cropping up in the local market?
It's not quite so simple, actually.
Doubt your every word, R&S.
This is a brilliant idea.. which is more important money or freedom??????
I know its well intend but the only way to become free is to be financially independent so money and freedom go hand in hand. send free stuff in not sustainable.
More of us ned 2thnk lyk ds. we r put n ds earth to help each other.
Read "Despite Good Intentions", "Lords of Poverty" and/or "Dead Aid" this is a very well intended effort and does create some positive outcomes (and some very real unintended consequences). The $6,500 needed to ship a container (that's just shipping costs, getting the local government to get the container thru their local customs will take more money) could be used to start a locally owned co-op business sewing garments. See Tanzania based A to Z Textiles which each year produces 29 million low-cost, long-lasting anti-malaria bednets. Good is good, but like any business or nonprofit effort, working to make it even more effective is even better.
JasonViens23 on January 31, 2011 that was horrible lol haahhaha.. im so happy mine didnt go that bad.. a bit of advice to all future best men.. dont try to be a inevative hero.. look up some good speeches take some good points from a few of them then impliment your own touch on them.. its a stressfull moment there is nothing wrong with a little help
I don't see how the lady's gesture will shut down businesses in black africa . i come from black africa and we do not make bras . the same goes for other black african countries . we should rather encourage the lady
Ever stop to think why you don't make bras locally? Imagine you own a grocery shop. You put everything you have into it, hoping it will be a neighborhood success. Then, thanks to kind-hearted Westerners, truckloads of free food roll into your neighborhood. Think you can remain in business very long? Similar for Africa's other businesses and industries - and yes, garments too, like making bras.
Forgot to add to my example above... imagine if you were able to hire 3 or 4 workers as well - but with free donated food, you lose your shop and they lose their jobs. So yes, people will have free food for the time being, but they will also remain poor and jobless - still unable to rise above their poverty.
ReadandShare,
I would recommend that you do more research on Free the Girls and you will see why it's not hurting the economy but helping. Look more into things before you start making assumptions.
Helping Hand - I noticed you didn't list any reasons why you believe no local business is hurt by such "charitable" efforts. it's not just Helping Hand - which is but a tiny effort - but collectively, this "day to day" giving is exactly the wrong-headed kind of "help". Please Google any of the business or general publications (Time, etc.) and study the issue.
Actually, I have my Masters in Economic Development in third world countires. So I have studied. Why don't you talk to the Dave Terpstra about his organization and why it hasn't effected any local businesses.
If you read any of the three books above, you will have a much better understanding. If you're not so inclined you can do a Google search on >> Bad Charity? (All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt!) By Nick Wadhams / Nairobi Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Read it. Seems to be talking about items that are simply donated and given away. The bras in this article are donated for women to sell. I doubt these enslaved women have the capital to start their own bra manufacturing business. I work in the lingerie industry and I can tell you that bras are not easy to make. It requires skill. I don't think the $6500 that it would take to ship these bras would cover training, building a manufacturing plant, and buying the necessary equipment and supplies would cover it.
Most clothing donated in the US is sold by the pound (pennies on the pound) in the US, shipped to Africa, sorted into three quality levels. High grade, which is sold to people locally who make a decent living (comparatively), medium grade, which is sold to poor people locally (both high grade and medium grade clothing effect local garment makers tremendously), and low grade which in turn is turned into rags and usually sold back to the US market.
somewhere in africa right now there are about a million shirts and bras showing that the New England Patriots are the "2012 Superbowl Champions" gotta love charity!
Sorry to hear you're having trobule with clothing sizes that sucks!As for bras, I used to only spend $20 max. on a bra and after measuring myself I thought I was a 34/36 B/C (depending on brand). Then a got a few suggestions on LiveJournal to check out this bra boutique in the city (Toronto). It's hella expensive, but they measured me (turns out I'm a 32D!) and I bought two bras (total $160-ish CAD), but my boobs have never felt or looked so good :PI know it's hard to reconcile spending so much money on a bra, but I realized that these two bras will be worn everyday, probably for the next two years.Also, I tried finding a 32D at my regular department stores/mall lingerie stores, and I found ONE and it didn't even fit properly.I say, see if you can find one of those boutiques, or even get measured at the department store and make sure you're being sized correctly.Your boobs are going to shrink, so I can understand not wanting to spend so much on a bra right now, but once they're down, I highly recommend making the investment ;D
Right, obviously large-scale dumping of manufactured goods is bad, and that's not what this is about. It's a few women being saved from bad lives, not an all-out attack on Africa's entire garment industry. People need to get a grip.
Readandshare seems to lack reading comprehension or the understanding that the women who receive these bras will use them for direct income. He's trolling.
Is Ms Langas's first name Connie?
Great idea, good for you...but is it just me or does her house sound like an episode of hoarders.
Finally caught up to the most renset!I just read through em all as well; though over the course of the last few work days!Very entertaining! Thanx for your hard work.
That is an awesome idea.
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Bras liberate women? People have gone insane! It's like saying mandatory wearing of burka or hijab liberates.
You sound like a complete idiot! You didn't even read the story. People like you are what is wrong with the world, you don't even know what is going on but that doesn't stop you from shooting off your ignorant mouth!!
Name calling, very classy and mature Amy.
Didn't women burn bras in the sixties as symbols of opression?
Yes, and I'm proud to say I helped liberate a few breasts myself back then.
Wow. You are really stupid.
Next time read the article, Alex.
It's not wearing the bras that liberate the girls freed from (or at risk) of slavery, it's selling them in the local markets. It is selling what is seen as a local premium/luxury good.
I'm retired now so I am at home a lot. As a result, my "girls" are liberated most of the time so I have a lot of unemployed bras. I now plan to donate them to Free The Girls (or a like charity) so that they can help free girls from slavery and lift them out of poverty.
What a novel idea to help those who truly need our help.
Great job giving the girls a lift. Pun Intended
OMG !!!! Don't let Rick Santorum know about this !!! What other evil can possibly exist in the world that needs to be eradicated....women and liberation...what blasphemy !!!
FOR THE BOOBIES!!!!
i like boobs
A small, but earnest attempt to make a difference in an ugly, uncaring world. We Americans have so much that we end up throwing away many times more material goods than most residents of poor countries will ever see, much less own. How anyone can criticize this effort is way beyond me, I applaud its intent, regardless of the eventual benefit realized...
I completely agree!! Lol ... I was thinking the same thing. Sure not wearing a bra can be liberating, but for exercise ... Different story.
To those of you who think that bras are oppressive, you must not have boobs. As a woman who DOES have boobs, I am very greatful for bras everytime I have to run, jump, walk quickly, etc... These activities become a whole lot less comfortable without a bra.
"Victoria's Secret donates Panties for Peace."
Wrong end, Dudley. *No* woman recycles or donates panties. No woman.
Saw a picture of some Hells Angels a while back. Bunch of old fat guys. Some of them could benefit from a bra.
You know: Bras for Bros.
Burn the bra, I say bring back Burn the Bra.
I have d cup breasts and I think that Burn the Bra is cruel! I am so thankful for bras whenever I have to run, jump, workout or even walk. I would never burn my bras. Just my two cents...
If you'd had those pointy things women wore back then, burning them would have been a definite option. Bra science has advanced a lot since then.
I know it has. Thats why bringing back bra burning isnt necessary lol
Stop cooking kill the rat didn't work either.
we must be wise before we use the credibility and respect of the 'Peoples' House' to extend legitimacy to a radicalize organization, because they still claim to have a culture other than American.
? I am unable to understand your comment or its relevance to the topic.
What a positively amazing story! Something so simple having such a profound effect...
Wait...wont this just increase the supply, while the demand remains constant thus reducing the monetary return from the bras. By doing so, the mediocre returns would then cause those selling to look elsewhere...possibly back to where they came?
Not really. They are selling bras to women. When every woman has one bra, some will want a second bra. And so on. Kinda obvious really . . .
IggaPenguin on September 4, 2011 I love the blankets!! They look so soft and aelrly nice to cuddle you little one in!! I aelrly like the toddler hoodie! I want won for me! Lol
Bras wear out and must be replaced.
One sincere advice....save the bras and the girls from the pastor
THE 20TH CENTURY OPENS ITS ARMS TO THE OLD & NEW WOMEN OF THE COMING ERA ALL CULTURAL ETHNICS THATS WHAT AMERICA IS & WE SALUTE WOMEN GLOBALLY TO MAKE A EFFORT TO SUGGEST IDEAS TO MAKE ONES LIFE MORE EXCEPTABLE & UNDERSTANDABLE! SALUTE TO THE FUTURE OF THE NEW WOMAN.
CAPS LOCK AND INCOHERENT BABBLE IS AMERICA'S FUTURE! REJOICE!!!
I think this is a great idea, and a reasonable way for poor women to start a business.
I hope that this can expand to other articles of clothing, and that men and women can benefit from this.
🙂
Totally stupid idea that is really to make this silly woman FEEL GOOD, and otherwise is useless.
What precisely are you doing to aid s** slaves or improve development in Africa?
You seem to have missed the point of the article, Shecky. Perhaps you should work on some of those anger and resentments of yours.
"He was constantly moving boxes out of his way to access his tools,"
I think she meant to say he was trying to access his tool.
You mean to tell me all those liberals in the 1960s were wrong? Well, what do you know about that!!! 🙂 "Save the Tata's" and "No Sagging Here!"
She should start a Kickstarter campaign to fund the shipping
I did not read the article...I just read the headline and it said something about bras, and bras hold one of my favorite things...;)
I do not understand all the objections to this idea. The indigenous garment industry (if there is one) won't be replaced by this, because the goal is not to give away bras to thousands of women for their personal use. The goal is to give them to a small group of women so that they may sell them to the other women. So as long as women want to buy bras in Mozambique, there will be a market for the used ones and the ones made locally. If there are more bras to be found in the marketplace, it could increase the demand for the local ones as well because women will be more aware that these products are out there for purchase. Meanwhile some women who used to be tortured find a way to make a living wage. I don't get the uproar over this.
Anyone who gets a girl in Africa is crazy or has a death wish. Aids is rampant over there. They say the aids virus has been active in Africa for many years longer than the rest of the world.
That's what I'm talking about!!The espron that could afford the 2.5 million dollar bra could give 100,000 to 25 people. the espron who could afford to buy ONE fifteen million dollar bra could instead give 100,000 t0 150 people. If someone gave me 100,000 dollars this whole school mess could be put behind me and I would have enough money left over to start again properly .And I'm sure you and everyone else can think of ways that 100,000 would improve our life drastically ..or we could all just buy ONE bra!!!..but is IS kind of pretty!!..
Actually @VPalsky Actually I saw they only went to a 38. Maybe I saw wrong. However that was my before preangnt size! I am now in a 42 I and the cup for sure is going to go up!! Thank you though I will look again.
Really just AMAZING how bitter half the commentators are that someone gets to sell something without following the Holy Book of Capitalism. Did it ever occur to you that they still have to be present and treat it like a job to sell these?
Who knows, maybe when they actually have a small amount of wealth and business experience that they previously didn't have because they were enslaved as a s** workers, they can take this business further and trade or produce more textiles! Unless you have something to offer Africa besides "let them eat cake" why don't you do everyone a favor and keep your bitter mouth shut.
My wife went crazy and started wanting me to help with the housework. I had to remind her once again that mama didn't make me do any housework, my sisters did it all, and I didn't have any boobies so I couldn't do housework. She started chasing me attacking me and I had to use one of her bras as a slingshot to defend myself.
Hat to tell you, but bras won't save Africa
what a wonderful story! Not to religious but I do hope her good deeds and those who help return to her 100 fold!
I'm glad to see a story about an African American stepping up to help others of color. Readers like "ReadandShare" seek to invalidate her contributions. If this had been the project of a white "European" teenage girl, EVERYONE would think that it was wonderful!!!
Is she really? I didn't notice.
Free women here in the United States while enslaving other women around the world... just kidding, good idea and way to go for helping other women!!!
I don't know much about the economy in Mozambique, but I do know that if you flood a certain market, the value for that product goes down, and what was once a "luxury" becomes less than that.
You're an angel to do what you have begun. I wish I could donate anything. Prayers.
May every negative comment go back to where it was sent.
This has got to be the weirdest charity I ever hear of.
Where do I donate?
You go girl! I hate seeing those grandmas being pictured in National Geographic without any bras on! It makes African people look backwards and uncivilized.
That's their culture you moron. If you don' want to look at stop watching National Geographic.. and I don't see why the whole world has to conform to our standards..they have lived this waysince the Egyptians so who are we to to tell them what to wear...or not wear
easy cowgirl... i am not a moron... i read the article..did you? they are ALREADY SELLING the bras silly! it is already a source of income... this lady is not trying to make women in Africa buy the bras...there is already a market there...it would be nice if you could converse without resorting to name calling...type like the person is right in front of you please...I consider people who dont...internet bullies...are you one? i hope not!!
you may have lived on the "Dark Continent" but you dont seem to know much about it. Egypt is part of the African continent maam! just sayin.
Finally something positive. What an uplifting story!
Maybe a better symbol could have been found for liberation? When I was in college, the garment in question had become a symbol of repression, and in protest was being burned. How ironic that now, a symbol of repression becomes a symbol of liberation. One form of bondage being swapped for another? Oh, well! Not to be critical, but if the shoe (or whatever) fits...
i have a @pregovlog i have a difficult time fniidng nursing bras too,, i am large chested, but not an H.i have a few nursing bras but for the most part i know just pull my strap down on the regular bras that do fit me well someone should really come up with a nursing bra or regular bra that is, for larger busted ladies that costs less than 5o dollars
I am going to start a charity that has women send me their panties. There are many lonely guys in need!
Refreshing that there's reminders that there are enough GOOD people in the world with hearts as big as the Nile.
Confused over how breast fashion relates to slavery? Me, too. Guess attention is lagging on CNNs attempt to revitalize the Slavery argument – – which is Just what this country needs.....not.
Someone explain to me how a push-up bra will get an African girl off the street???
Have you considered reading the article?
I saw Kimba and dave on CNN today here in Taiwan, bravo. one question, the CNN report did not say and neither does your website but is your group a Christian group and are you all Christians? Please be honest here. I am a reporter in Taiwan and just want to know the truth. I suspect you are a Christian group. Yes?
one question, the CNN report did not say and neither does your website ..is your group a Christian group ..and are you all Christians? Please be honest here. I just want to know the truth. I suspect you are a Christian group. Yes?
My tips are to wait until your milk has come & and somewhat zbatilised, so about 7-10 days after birth. I just used the stretchy nursing "sleep" bras until then and they worked fine. Also, go to a good maternity store or nursing boutique and get measured/fitted by a professional. I went to Mimi Maternity (which I think is now called A Pea in the Pod).Don't be cheap you get what you pay for. You don't want a cheap, scratchy bra that is difficult to operate the nursing openings.And most importantly, DON'T put your nursing bras in the dryer. My bras were great until my husband put one in the dryer and it became noticeably different than the other ones. (scratchy, shrunk, etc.)References :
She should contact Sheriff Paul Babeu and see if he would like to donate any of his.
Never underestimate the power of a woman's undies.
"The girls can make three times the average wage, more than enough to support themselves" Heh, heh, you said 'support themselves', heh, heh
"Yes, Free the Girls is affiliated with a church, and that is
mentioned in the story I wrote.
Here is a quote from the article:
"It was the pastor of her church who came up with the idea for "Free
the Girls." He was planning on moving to Mozambique for missionary
work, and called Langas to see if she would run the project with him.
She thought it sounded like fun."
You can bet your best bra that if the group behind the effort were Muslim, the article would have trumpeted that fact to the heavens.
"THE Daughter Project" reported at CNN by Colleen McEdwards also lies and pretends to be do good group, but no it is JEsus recruitment grou[
their own website says...so they are lying to CNN and the viewwers of CNN when they say they are just a nice do good group IN FACT THEY ARE WITNESSDING FOR FAKE JESUS NON GOD
God is the creator of everything, especially the girls we are planning to help.
In order to heal, our "daughters" need to be cared for professionally and loved personally.
*******************God is the redeemer of His creation through His son, Jesus Christ.
In order to recover, the girls need to walk their own road of recovery but we can help them along the way.
God indwells believers to transform them into His agents of redemption on the earth through His Holy Spirit.
A relationship with God is supremely personal, each girl will be given complete freedom in this area and our care & love for them will be given in a completely non-discriminatory way.
For those who question our faith-based approach, please click here for a research based rationale.
You're absolutely right! Wearing a ratty bra ltceainry does nothing for our self-esteem. A bra becomes such a part of the wearer. I'd say the pricier they are; the better we treat em' Surrounding ourselves with beautiful things; and treating these treasures special (so they last) is a great start to bettering one's lifestyle, on any budget.
The slave owners say thanks for sending all the valuable bras they can rob from the slave girls and sell to buy more slaves.
Nice to know you care enough to fund the buying of more slaves.
hohohohideehi
Sweaters, anyone? I am getting sweaters given to me for free. One dollar each.
Bras - The most insulting, annoying and unpleasant contraptions man has so successfully coerced on women. Their only purpose is to promise to make breasts look forever 15 years old, which they really don't do so well once ya take 'em off. To be so uncomfortable every day of one's life just to please men. It's like wearing heels to make female legs look "prepubescently" extra-long to attract males and ending up with bunions.
I am a triple D and bras make jumping, running, and even walking soliloquy much more comfortable.
This is definitely a good cause but what about the local sellers of bras in Mozambique. Dumping bras on the market would run those out currently sell out of business and in turn cause more poverty... and exploitation.
"THE Daughter Project" also reported at CNN by Colleen McEdwards also lies and pretends to be do good group, but no it is JEsus recruitment group
their own website says...so they are lying to CNN and the viewwers of CNN when they say they are just a nice do good group IN FACT THEY ARE WITNESSDING FOR FAKE JESUS NON GOD
QUOTE
God is the creator of everything, especially the girls we are planning to help.
In order to heal, our "daughters" need to be cared for professionally and loved personally.
*******************8God is the redeemer of His creation through His son, Jesus Christ.
In order to recover, the girls need to walk their own road of recovery but we can help them along the way.
God indwells believers to transform them into His agents of redemption on the earth through His Holy Spirit.
A relationship with God is supremely personal, each girl will be given complete freedom in this area and our care & love for them will be given in a completely non-discriminatory way.
For those who question our faith-based approach, please click here for a research based rationale
Try to make comparison between the purity of Islam and this rotten talk!..
This is because of the unequal devision of wealth in the world. It is also the "contradiction" of western people who are always defending the rights of cats and dogs worldwide and they become blind when the problem concerns human beings in Somali, in Mozambique or in any other place in the world!..........
mhamedfarhani@gmail.com
The Daughter Project and FREE THE GIRLS project reported by CNN's The FREEDOM PROJECT seriously misprepresent both groups which are nothing more than Jesus recruitment tools masquerarding as do good non profits. In fact, CNN viewers need to know that both groups are racist, faithist and lie to the public on CNN about what they are about? Has America really come this? and CNN too? Lisa Cohen and Colleen McEdwards, this is not journalism, this is missionary recruitment PR. Shame on you for not telling the truth
I hope your kidding! you think cnn plays it straight or something! they are the worse liberal media outlet terrorists there are! I hope you wake up soon from your coma induced by the libs...
The churches have plenty of TAX FREE money – why is she questioning where she will get $6000 to ship them?????
in God we trust...all otherspay cash! well first one of these churches will have to give her the "tax free" money...maybe one will but churches can be uptight about "garments"... LOL LDS people will get that one! 🙂
Great story. Nice to hear something as simple as a donation of used clothing can be used to help victims of crime.
Collect a $1 with each bra. When a bra ( or bras) is donated, ask for a $1 for shipping. You will soon have your shipping cost covered.
There are examples of charities hurting the African economy. For example tod's shoes gives one pair of shoes to people in need in Africa for every pair bought in the US, this does hurt anyone selling shoes in Africa. I believe the acts outlined in this article are not the same as my shoe example. There is a shortage of bra's in the area, which is why the market price is so high. Also you are allowing these women to support themselves, which will help the economy as they spend the money they bring in throughout their local economy. Would it be a better idea to build a bra factory in Africa employing these women? Absolutely! But the people in this article don't have the kind of capital it would take to accomplish this, and so they are taking what they do have to help these women. Again, if they were buying bras to send abroad, that would be different. It is possible it would be more efficient to directly give the women the money or build a job training center, but that is not the case in this story. These people should be held as examples of what every American can do with what they have.
Someone needs to tell Richard Branson about this. Seems like one of his "Virgin" jets would be perfect to, er, fill this job. And he'd get great publicity for his company.
Have any of you ever been to Africa? Well II was posted there with the State Department for 4 years and most women over there don;t even know what a bra is. I know of several house keepers that ruined some of my frriends 40$ Victorias Secret bras because she had no idea what the hell it was and was confused as to why we wear those rediculous things in the first place....yes this comes from a 34AAA who doesn'tt even own a nice bra because they don't make them that small. so my point is.. if you have to send them somewhere..there are plenty of women out there who can't afford a bra so find someone in OUR country in need an stop this insufferable whiing about the plight of people in"other countries: when people here are losing their homes and you worry about a bra?????? incredible.. how about giving them to Goodwill and using the profits to make a mortgage payment for someone who can't so they don't lose their home.
Do you know what human trafficking is? These are women who have been beaten to a pulp, gang raped and drugged to be sold for $50 to a brothel. They are then beaten on a daily basis just to sleep with more men. And when they refuse to sleep with them are beaten more, so badly that they lose their eyesite, ability to walk normally and sometimes are braindead. And if it gets to the case that they are beaten to where they can no longer service men they are murdered and their organs are sold on the black market.
Bras are in such high demand over there because not many people have them. It is acutlaly a status symbol to have them.
This a totally different than the housing market. Read "Half the Sky" and you can get a better picture of what this organization is trying to do. Or talk to Somaly Mam, appointed by Bloomberg, about her experience. Just food for thought.
Too bad she didnt think it through before collecting the bras, but it defies common sense that a 3rd world country would sell commodities more expensive than a developed country such as the U.S.
Geez, if she is so willing to help and excited .... hello, KICKSTARTER...Boom. Get it done.
Well intentioned, but if the bras are in her basement and garage they aren't helping anyone right? – sort of a cautionary tale about giving to amateur charities.
well she HAS been sending them...she just has so many now...she needs help with the container...it has already worked...so i hope she gets it workedout!
Hay everybody Wakeup Bras are underwear & no underwear should ever be used by anybody else than the first owner !!!!!
what next fund raising for panties $$$
I know some women I'd like to libarate from their bras.
Is this another bra burning revolt?
I respect these people for trying to do charitable work,but Bra's? Why do women have to be subjected to wearing them? Is there alaw that mandates this? Why not shoes,or just clothes in general?
As the article clearly pointed out – they are luxury items that can be sold for a lot of money. More than you could sell a t-shirt or pants for.
Well put. More lucrative. And I don't think bras are terribly constricting. More like helpful. Just sayin'.
Example of non government forced charity to the poor.
angelrose2001 on September 4, 2011 I love the bibs and the toiopn for the EVA vinyl insert. I am always looking for bibs that will keep my son's clothes dry! My son has acid reflux and is still spitting up at almost 2 years old. These bibs also look really comfy!
I've never seen such stupidity in my life. These nations have battled for centuries. What ridiculous notions are these? Do you honestly believe denigrating women further is going to supplant that which exists already.
The only thing that will change the scope of power, removing some from men, giving more to women are firearms.
Nothing else.
so the "nations" are battling...so we should not help the women out that are suffering? why is that stupid? we sure have some heartless people here!!
iPhoneSmiles97 on September 11, 2011 @StandardAlOh, just shut up you immature idiot. If you want to be pro chioce, than fine. I just hope you know yo are making a HUGE mistake. And watch your language. Don't be saying that to me.
It never amazes me just how IGNORANT a computer allows people to be. Quite easy to hide behind a screen and a keyboard. Before you judge someone today-hold a mirror up to cover your face. Hide behind THAT..
Cant you just be proud of the fact that again, we have a human being......willnig to go the distance to help? Maybe its not "well planned' or "perfect"...but shes doing something. What have YOU done to help others?
SMH...
Yes. Always good to help others. Thank you.
She should consider sending them via Lutheran World Relief.
They know how to get containers shipped while avoiding the corruption in actually getting them through.
Wow everybody still asleep !!! please find something else to donate, the real question is can you wear someone else's bra? girls & women only.
i live in Egypt witch happens to be in Africa by the way, down here like many other countries if you buy a costume of any kind you'll have a weak to return it if it dose not fit, or if your having second thought about it, all but underwear or lingerie its not refundable, you can not take it back to the shop & say its not fitting, why do you think?
the answer is simply called (personal hygiene), it different from one person to another, ask any dermatologist about it.
HI
KA RIO
fly your bra day!
I hate bras – couldn't they make neck ties instead? the bra is bad for you, its a symbol of slavery of the female.
first of all i would like to say Praise God for you and your efforts... human traffficking is a terrible thing and i didnt'know how bad it was in the U.S. until i watched America's Most Wanted the other night and i just fell to the floor..i have kids and grand kids and it just blew me away and so i say praise to u for doing such a great and wonderful job.. now i would like to ask how do i help.. i would like to do something just not sure how to do it and where to go to get it done..
Feel free to write on Free the Girls Facebook wall. They have so many opportunities for helping. https://www.facebook.com/freethegirls
Rather then bras should collect panties. Cheaper and so much nicer
This is what it has come down to.
Once burning bras was the symbol of women liberation and feminism. Now CNN is celebrating bras in order to free women from some imaginary slavery. Here CNN shows its real face. It has joined the reactionary league of those who want to oppress women. The bra, the symbol of anti-feminism and of female oppression is celebrated by CNN.
Feminism is really doomed. Even CNN has joined the reactionary front of patriarchy and promotes anti-feminist moral values. It is simply disgusting!
You mean all those ugly, hairy women from the 60's were wrong?
I hope that you continue in this important way to help people so far away. I hope GOD bless you
feed them american junk food first or they would not fit ...
american sized underwear for poor african girls..., that sounds funny
Thank you for your efforts in bettering this world in any way you can. There may be some nay sayers but I appreciate your work and labor in something that may and hopefully will help girls in so much need. Bravo!
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I think what Kimba is doing is awesome! Some of you are just bitter about your own pathetic lives and that is why your comments remain selfish! I have no idea where all of you currently reside, however I know that human trafficking is a huge problem in America and I LIVE IN AMERICA. I do not want my daughter or future generations to continue fighting the battle we have today! I would say if you are not going to get involved somehow, somewhere, then SHUT-UP. You have no business criticizing the efforts and the DIFFERENCE 1 WOMAN IS MAKING FOR ANOTHER!
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