London: On 31 October 2023 in London, Farringdon, the former British Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP and Sir Mo Farah drew global attention to the exceptional contribution of Catholic sisters to the anti-trafficking movement, at the inaugural Sisters Anti-Trafficking Awards (SATA).
MC’d by broadcaster, journalist and writer, Adrian Chiles, the event honoured three sisters, Sr Seli Thomas SMI from India, Sr Patricia Ebegbulem SSL from Nigeria and Sr Francoise Jiranonda SPC from Thailand, who have demonstrated courage, creativity, collaboration and achievement in the protection of their communities from human trafficking.
The UN defines human trafficking as ‘the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit.’
Dr Seli Thomas received the Common Good Award for courage and creativity in addressing exploitation. The Servant Leadership Award For excellence in network building was given to Sr Francoise Jiranda while Sr Patricia Ebegbulem was honoured with the Human Dignity Award for lifetime achievement in addressing exploitation.
Human trafficking generates more than $150 billion every year, including the illicit proceeds of sexual exploitation and forced labour. It is one of the largest global criminal industries, alongside drug trafficking and counterfeiting.
There are an estimated 50 million victims of human trafficking across the world. 71% of victims are women or girls, and around a third of global victims are children.
Every day, tens of thousands of sisters worldwide are dedicating their lives to protecting their communities from exploitation.
Despite adverse conditions and sometimes scarce resources, sisters’ resourcefulness and dedication are leading to effective and sustainable work against trafficking across the world. This award winner will have demonstrated creativity and courage in their anti-trafficking interventions.
Embedded in their communities, sisters are often uniquely placed to lead through service and develop long-term anti-trafficking systems and networks. This award winner will have contributed to the growth of such networks, and have facilitated collaboration across cultures and religions.
Embedded in their communities, sisters are often uniquely placed to lead through service and develop long-term anti-trafficking systems and networks. This award winner will have contributed to the growth of such networks, and have facilitated collaboration across cultures and religions.