Gathering delegates from around 90 countries and featuring testimonies from esteemed speakers and survivors, Talitha Kum, an International Network of Consecrated persons against trafficking of persons, commemorated 15 years of its fight against human trafficking at its imminent 2nd General Assembly in the town of Sacrofano north of Rome from 18th to 24th May 2024 by adopting a synodal, bottom-up approach.
The Assembly offered testimonies of survivors, young people, and Sisters from the grassroots while sharing their experiences in working to end human trafficking through partnerships and collaboration, especially among religious communities, civil society leaders, diplomats, and international agencies.
On 23rd May 2024, the sisters’ 2024 Anti-Trafficking Awards (SATA) ceremony was organized by the UISG (Union of the International Superior Generals) held at the Augustinianum Auditorium, Rome. Sr. Josephina D’ Souza, Superior General of our Congregation and UISG Executive board member together with her Councillor Sr. Alda Paes, attended the ceremony.
There were testimonies from Ms. Mary Mugo, a youth ambassador and activist from Kenya; Ms. Nasreen Sheik, a Human Rights Advocate and Founder of a Local Women’s Handicrafts Centre in Nepal and Mr. Kevin Hyland, the former UK Independent Anti- Slavery Commissioner.
Three prestigious awards were given to three Catholic Sisters who were recognized for having demonstrated exceptional courage, creativity, collaboration, and achievement in protecting their communities from human trafficking.
The Common Good Award for courage and creativity in addressing exploitation was presented by Arise Foundation to Sr. Gracy Rodrigues( Conossian Daughters of Charity), The Servant Leadership Award for excellence in network building by UISG ( International Union of Superiors General) to Sr. Anne Victory ( Sisters of the Humility of Mary) and The Human Dignity Award for lifetime achievement in addressing exploitation by Hilton Foundation to Sr. Marie Claude Naddaf ( Good Shepherd Sisters).
While being grateful to the gift of life and human dignity, we remain grateful to all who make it possible for organisations like Talitha Kum to move forward in their “prophetic mission initiative of journeying together to fight against human trafficking,” and “most of all, to God’s love that leads us towards compassion, in action, for transformation.”
Edited and photos by Sr. Alda Paes
