UISG: Religious sisters win 2023 anti-trafficking awards

By Sr. Titilayo Aduloju, SSMA

Hosted by Theresa May, former UK Prime Minister, and athlete Sir Mo Farah, the Sisters' Anti-Trafficking Awards took place in London on 31 October.

Three Catholic sisters were honoured with awards: Srs. Seli Thomas, SMI from India, Patricia Ebegbulem, SSL from Nigeria, and Francoise Jiranonda, SPC from Thailand.

Human trafficking plagues Nigeria

Sr. Patricia Ebegbulem, SSL, an unwavering anti-trafficking advocate, has been at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking for more than 20 years.

In a statement, she said, “Nigerian women are often targeted by sex trafficking rings and exploited in Europe and the Middle East.”

According to Sr. Ebegbulem, “Many dreams of migrating to better opportunities, and traffickers exploit their hope”.

“When I saw the sufferings of these children of God, I was moved,” she said.

Although Sr Ebegbulem believed that stopping trafficking is an uphill task, it is not impossible. “I will not say it is impossible, because with God nothing is impossible.”

Corroding communities across India

Sr. Seli Thomas, SMI, another of the awardees, has devoted her life to protecting her community.

"In rural areas," she says, "you don't need to look far to find child labour or the grieving mother of a girl lured to the city with a false offer of employment.”

Sr. Thomas has been a beacon of hope for mothers and children of Krishnagar's Red Light District, providing pathways out of a lifetime in the brothels.

Together with her team, she has helped over 500 women with the project, which aims to address the root causes of poverty, unemployment, and exploitation.

“So that's why we create awareness programmes not only on the anti-trafficking” she continued “but on different issues and we give them a space where they can come and talk to us.”.

Thailand: trafficking hotspot

In the battle against human trafficking, Sr. Francoise Jiranonda, SPC, has been a model of servant leadership for more than 30 years.

Sr. Jiranonda lamented that “At this very moment, criminal networks are exploiting close to 600,000 Thai people for sex or labour.”

According to her, “Thailand is a human trafficking hotspot, and a country of origin, transit and destination for trafficked victims across Asia.”

Sr. Jiranonda was instrumental in the creation and growth of Talitha Kum Thailand, where she set out to meet well-networked crime with a well-networked response.

As the first coordinator of the network, she engaged, trained and empowered many sisters and members to develop the network within the country and beyond.

With her leadership, Talitha Kum Thailand has made an exceptional contribution to the anti-trafficking cause, earning them the Thai government's prestigious Workers' Award.

“I will spend the time God has given me,” Sr. Jiranonda continued, “I will do it at every opportunity to prevent human trafficking.”