Culture & Lifestyle /
Humans Of New York Makes A Real Impact In Pakistan
The world has been following Brandon Stanton’s journey through Pakistan with rapt attention.
The Humans Of New York founder travelled to the Sub-Continent in late July and began photographing everyday people as per his usual modus operandi.
Stanton is famous for capturing images and stories that go well beyond the superficial. We were curious to see the “real people” of Pakistan through Stanton’s lens.
Stanton is known for eliciting incredible stories from total strangers!
Photo Credit: Humans Of New York Facebook Page
What emerged from the trip turned out to be so much more. Towards the end of his visit, Brandon began telling the story of Syeda Ghulam Fatima and her courageous fight against bonded labour, which is literally a form of modern-day slavery.
A portrait of Sayeda Ghulam Fatema in the brick kilns of Pakistan.
Photo Credit: Humans Of New York Facebook page
Through seven portraits, he informed his social media followers that across rural Pakistan “illiterate and desperate laborers are tricked into accepting small loans in exchange for agreeing to work at brick kilns for a small period of time.” Due to questionable predatory terms, the debt grows constantly larger, making it impossible to repay. The labourers are thus forced to work for the money lenders in perpetuity — for no compensation.
What followed was an overwhelming outpouring of support from the online community. Stanton’s Indiegogo page benefitting the Bonded Labour Liberation Front run by Fatima received well over $2 million US in just six days. With no rewards or perks offered, Stanton said the collective effort was a display of “genuine compassion.”
$2 million translates into literally 100 times that amount in Pakistani rupees! In a statement on the Humans Of New York Facebook page, Fatima said, “You have donated for freedom, for rehabilitation and we are indebted… With this we hope to end bonded labour in Pakistan.”
With such a transformative impact, Stanton’s work has clearly evolved tremendously from simple documentation to effecting real, positive change at a grassroots level. What the government was unable or unwilling to do, Stanton — with the help of his massive following — made a reality. Helping put an end to a centuries-old, unjust institution within days of visiting the country is, in our opinion, not just commendable but simply incredible!
For once, we have a good news story that restores our faith in humanity. We salute you, Brandon Stanton!
Main Image Photo Credit: Humans Of New York Facebook page
Dilshad Burman
Author
Dilshad Burman is an award winning TV host and Canadian media personality. Born in Mumbai, India, she was surrounded by its creative energy and grew up with a passion for music, film and television. While completing her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from The University of Mumbai, she i...
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