Number 186 - 2025
PRESENTATION
15TH YEARS JOURNEY OF TALITHA KUM
INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
“Talitha Kum. Little girl, I say to you, rise up.” (Mark 5:41)
Talitha Kum is an International Network Against Human Trafficking, a grassroots network led by Catholic Sisters, that aims to end human trafficking and exploitation through collaborative initiatives focused on prevention, protection, spiritual support, social reintegration, and rehabilitation of survivors of human trafficking.
Background
The Talitha Kum network was officially founded in 2009 by the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) as part of an initiative to combat human trafficking and exploitation. The efforts to establish this network began in the late 1990s when some Religious Sisters working with women victims of violence and sexual exploitation encountered the painful and harsh realities of human trafficking. The UISG recognized the seriousness of this emerging issue, and tasked its Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission with organizing projects to study the growing problem. In 2001, the human trafficking phenomenon was presented as a priority issue at the UISG Plenary Assembly. Then declared the final statement:
Sr. Abby Avelino, MM
Talitha Kum International Coordinator
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“We, almost 800 women leaders of one million members of Catholic Religious Institutes throughout the world, publicly declare our determination to work in solidarity with one another within our own religious communities and in the countries in which we are located to address insistently at every level the abuse and sexual exploitation of women and children with particular attention to the trafficking of women which has become a lucrative multinational business”.
(Declaration of Women Religious Leaders: UISG Bulletin – Special Number 116) - UISG Plenary Assembly Declaration 2001
Due to the need for further study and development, a collaboration was established between the UISG and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). From 2004 to 2008, they developed a training program that resulted in the formation of several regional networks around the world.
At that time significant contributions were made by Sr. Bernadette Sagma, FMA (deceased), the project coordinator at UISG, and Sr. Eugenia Bonetti, MC, from the Italian network.
In 2009, during the first global meeting of these networks, a proposal was made to establish Talitha Kum as the International Network of Consecrated Life Against Trafficking, which would have representation at the UISG.
The first official coordinator of Talitha Kum was Sr. Estrella Castalone, FMA (deceased), who served from 2010 to 2014. She was succeeded by Sr. Gabriella Bottani, SMC, who held the position from 2015 to 2022. And currently, Sr. Abby Avelino, MM, hold this post as the International Coordinator of Talitha Kum.
The number of Religious Sisters and their collaborators has grown significantly over the past fifteen years. According to the latest report from 2023, the Talitha Kum network consists of
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5,871 active members and collaborators, representing 777 congregations of women religious and 93 congregations of men religious, for a total of 870 congregations involved in Talitha Kum networks worldwide. This growth highlights the network’s strength, supported by collaborative efforts with 297 Catholic organizations, 219 NGOs, and 204 governmental and intergovernmental organizations.
Talitha Kum has expanded its presence to 107 countries and has officially established 60 national networks across five continents. This expansion underscores the network’s commitment to combating human trafficking and providing care for victims and survivors on a global scale. In 2023, the cumulative efforts of the entire Talitha Kum network reached 753,392 individuals.
Talitha Kum approach
We are committed to preventing trafficking through a comprehensive global strategy. Our efforts focus on educating vulnerable populations and raising awareness about trafficking, particularly among young people, women and girls, migrants, refugees, and others at risk of exploitation. We conduct awareness-raising campaigns that address the phenomenon of trafficking, its causes, and its impacts within various socio-cultural contexts. We utilize multiple platforms, including digital anti-trafficking resources: social media platforms, radio, and television campaigns.
Educating and raising awareness among youth and students are effective methods for reducing vulnerability and the number of individuals who fall victim to exploitation.
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Talitha Kum Sisters, in collaboration with anti-human trafficking organizations and networks, aim to ensure that the Catholic Church’s global, regional, and local initiatives actively involve and empower young people to become strong advocates.
Youth engagement began in 2021 with the Youth Ambassadors program, which empowers young individuals to take on leadership roles among their peers. This program started in Asia and has since expanded to all continents. In 2023, we developed the Walking in Dignity App, an innovative tool designed to raise awareness about human trafficking and serve as a fundraising platform to support the grassroots projects of the Talitha Kum networks. Additionally, we involve young people in promoting the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. This Day, inaugurated by Pope Francis in 2015 and endorsed to the UISG and USG as promoters, is celebrated worldwide on February 8, coinciding with the feast of Saint Josephine Bakhita.
The coordination of the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (IDPAAHT) has been entrusted to Talitha Kum in collaboration with partner organizations, with the goal of gathering for prayer, collectively reflecting on the realities of human trafficking, and advocating for and with victims, survivors, and vulnerable populations.
Holistic survivor-centered approach
We continue to strengthen our collaboration with advocates for survivors to empower them as ambassadors of hope and change. Our networks actively support victims and survivors on their journeys toward healing and empowerment. A powerful example is the story of Pauline, who was a victim of sexual exploitation and abuse at the age of 16. Her life was tragic; she felt lost and threatened by her exploiters. Until, one day, she found the strength to stand up, through accompaniment of the Talitha Kum Sisters. Pauline became the founder of an organization that provides a safe space for survivors like her to restore their lives and regain their sense of empowerment. She dreams of building a shelter for survivors of trafficking. Her story resonates with the call of Talitha Kum! Stand Up. In 2023, Talitha Kum assisted 39,081 victims, survivors, and at-risk individuals. Our collective efforts are essential in promoting a world free from exploitation and abuse. The hope of supporting survivors and witnessing their transformation inspires many members and strengthens their commitment to combating human trafficking.
Challenges
The evolving trends in human trafficking are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated, presenting significant challenges. Wars and armed conflicts in various countries have heightened the vulnerability of many populations, making them more
Presentation vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation. Human trafficking is constantly evolving. The rise of the internet and digitalization presents new risks, as traffickers exploit technology for online sexual exploitation of women and children. Women, girls and young people, in particular, are vulnerable and often choose to believe traffickers’ false promises of a better life and escape from violence at home. With the rapid evolution of technology, human trafficking methods have adapted, taking on new and more complex forms in the digital world.
Given the rising incidence of forced migration due to climate change, conflicts, and economic crises there is an urgent need for integrated solutions that address the socioeconomic and environmental factors contributing to human trafficking.
CALL to ACTION
Pope Francis reminds us that “human trafficking is an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the body of Christ” (International Conference on Combating Human Trafficking, 10 April 2014).
As people of God, it is our commitment to building a world that reflects the journey in the dignity of every human being. Talitha Kum members worldwide continue to respond to this call to action by caring for, healing, empowering, restoring, and engaging with the lives of victims and survivors, as well as populations at risk of trafficking and
Presentation exploitation. Despite the challenges we face daily, our members are determined to play a crucial role in the fight against human trafficking by providing spiritual support, building trust and safe environment, and compassionate care to victims.
Networking is essential for actions against trafficking at various levels. It strengthens collaboration among network members both locally and internationally, involving local institutions and organizations such as Catholic organizations, NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and other agencies. We value and promote collaboration and partnerships with all organizations committed to eradicating human trafficking and addressing its root causes. We cannot do this alone. We need to form strategic partnerships and collaboration with church leaders, government leaders, and civil society organizations at all levels.
Next steps
In 2024 marks the 15th anniversary of Talitha Kum. The 2nd General Assembly held in May 2024 brought us together to continue Journeying Together to End Human Trafficking. It was an occasion to reflect on the work of Talitha Kum for the past 15 years. The Final Declaration of the assembly affirmed our commitment to implementing our next three priorities for 2025-2030, identified through a synodal method of Conversation in the Spirit. These priorities include addressing systemic change at all levels, deepening our holistic, survivor-centered approach, and broadening collaboration and networking at all levels.
Many victims and survivors highlight the need to establish norms and regulations that support the dignity of all individuals and their communities. Most importantly, we must promote a culture of dignity and an economy of care. We dream of a world without human trafficking—a vision that must involve all sectors of society, including government and church leaders at every level. It is essential to protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children, from exploitation and to support children’ victims of trafficking.
The journey of Talitha Kum goes beyond just a chronological record of events, facts, and actions taken over time. Our mission to end human trafficking is ongoing and woven by the dedication of Religious Sisters, partners, and many individuals who are committed to addressing this complex issue. In a unique way, Talitha Kum reflects the life stories of millions of trafficked individuals and survivors. They reach out to us, just as Jesus did with the young girl, inviting us to rise up with courage and hope as we continue our collective commitment to combat human trafficking.
“Together, our actions have the power to transform lives with compassion towards a world free of human trafficking.”
OPENING ADDRESS TALITHA KUM ASSEMBLY
Sr. Mary Barron, OLA
UISG President
Esteemed Members, Distinguished Guests, and the Tireless and Valiant Talitha Kum family,
As the President of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), it is my profound honour to be here before you today as you gather in Assembly to celebrate a milestone of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment—the 15th anniversary of Talitha Kum.
As we stand at this juncture, we reflect on a journey that has been illuminated by unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to combat human trafficking and support its survivors. I would like to invite us all to take a moment to call to mind the people with whom our paths have crossed in the context of Talitha Kum, the context of action together against human - trafficking. Perhaps it is a survivor of trafficking, or someone still struggling under the trauma of what they have endured, or perhaps it is someone or a small group of committed people who advocate for change in legislation; or perhaps
we think of those who help to rescue people who have endured or are enduring this modern slavery that is human trafficking; or perhaps it is someone or a little group who work tirelessly to help survivors to stand up and take their place in society with dignity... or a little group who work tirelessly to raise awareness of the insidious and hidden nature of human trafficking... let us just call to mind someone and hold them in our hearts with gratitude.
All of these little commitments all over the globe add up to a sustained fight against human trafficking, a struggle that somehow embodies the principles of a theology of liberation. Human trafficking, a grave violation of human rights, is a scourge that plagues our world, stripping individuals of their dignity, freedom, and fundamental rights. It is a modern form of slavery that demands a bold and compassionate response. In our collective efforts to combat this heinous crime, we are not merely engaging in social activism; we are bringing to life a theology of liberation that champions the intrinsic worth of every human being.
The theology of liberation, deeply rooted in Christian thought, calls us to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and to work tirelessly for their emancipation. It is a call to action, a call to transform society by freeing those shackled by the chains of exploitation. By actively participating in the global movement against human trafficking, we are answering this divine call.
Talitha Kum
Pope Francis, in his messages and addresses, has consistently highlighted the moral imperative to fight against the trafficking of human beings. He urges us to open our eyes to the suffering of the victims and to act with courage and determination to end their plight. His words serve as a powerful reminder that our faith is not passive but demands active engagement in the pursuit of justice and the restoration of human dignity. As we join hands in this noble cause, we are not only responding to a moral duty but also enacting the very essence of the theology of liberation.
We are participating in the sacred work of creating a world where freedom is not a privilege but a right afforded to all. Our actions against human trafficking are concrete expressions of our commitment to a world where every individual can live a life marked by respect, honour, and liberty. Let us continue to be inspired by the strength and resilience of survivors, and let us honour their journey by committing ourselves to the eradication of human trafficking. Together, we can make a difference, and together, we can bring the theology of liberation to life.
And it is in this togetherness that Talitha Kum has emerged as a force for Good, a force for liberation. In the spirit of our shared mission, we have witnessed the extraordinary growth of this network, which has become a global force against the scourge of human trafficking. Fifteen years ago, Talitha Kum arose as a beacon of hope, a testament to what can be achieved when compassion and action converge.
Sr. Mary Barron,
Sr. Mary Barron, OLAOpening AddressTalitha Kum Assembly
This network, spanning across continents and cultures, has not only raised awareness but has also fostered a global community dedicated to the protection of human dignity. For fifteen years, Talitha Kum has been the hands and feet of hope, reaching out to the most vulnerable, offering solace, and igniting the flame of freedom where there was once the darkness of despair.
As we look back, we are inspired by the resilience of those who have been touched by the darkness of exploitation yet have emerged with the light of hope. We honour the advocates, the volunteers, the supporters, and every individual who has contributed to the fabric of this extraordinary network. The journey has been long, and the battles hardfought, but the victories—each life reclaimed, each story of survival—are testaments to the power of faith in action. As UISG, we have seen the embodiment of our values in the work of Talitha Kum, and we stand in solidarity with every effort to heal, empower, and uplift. Today, we do not merely celebrate the years that have passed; we celebrate the lives touched, the chains broken, and the future we are building together.
Let us continue to echo the call of ‘Talitha Kum’—`Little girl, I say to you, arise!’—for it is a call to action, a call to life, and a call to the promise of a world without slavery.
Today, as we begin this Assembly and celebrate this significant anniversary, let us rekindle our collective resolve to continue this crucial work. Let us forge ahead with renewed vigour, knowing that each step we take is a stride towards a world free of slavery. May all the deliberations that take place during this time together in Assembly, enable us to identify the key priorities that will guide the commitments in this area into the future. Let the next fifteen years be marked by even greater achievements, as we strive not only to liberate the oppressed but to dismantle the very systems that perpetuate injustice. Thank you for being the change-makers, the guardians of hope, and for believing in the power of Talitha Kum’—`Little girl, I say to you, arise!’ In a spirit of Synodality, it is together, we rise.
On behalf of UISG, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Talitha Kum. May the next fifteen years be even more impactful, as we strive side by side for justice, dignity, and the sanctity of every human life. Thank you, and may our collective efforts be blessed. Wishing you every success for a fruitful and enjoyable Assembly.