From October 12 to 17, 2025, the Padre Pio Retreat Centre in Pretoria hosted more than 40 religious sisters and priests from South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, and Lesotho for an intensive week of formation on human trafficking. The event was organized by Talitha Kum International in collaboration with the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) and the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life South Africa (LCCLSA).

Inspired by the theme “Consecrated Leadership on Mission Against Human Trafficking,” the program combined moments of spirituality, study, reflection, and sharing of good practices. It aimed to strengthen the existing Talitha Kum South Africa network and to establish new national networks in Botswana, Eswatini, and Lesotho. This collaborative effort reinforced regional ties and expanded Talitha Kum’s presence and impact across Southern Africa.

The five-day workshop brought together consecrated life committed to confronting what Sr. Abby Avelino, MM, International Coordinator of Talitha Kum, described as “a painful wound in our societies.” Reflecting on the theme “Consecrated Life on Mission Against Human Trafficking,” Sr. Abby reminded participants that religious life is a prophetic witness of God’s compassion: “We are sent on mission to defend life, restore dignity, and proclaim freedom to the captives.”

Facilitated by Sr. Laura Llanes, FDC, in collaboration with experts and advocates from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the National Freedom Network (NFN), the formation explored the structural roots of human trafficking — including economic inequality, unemployment, corruption, and harmful cultural practices — and discussed sustainable ways to transform these realities. Participants emphasized awareness-raising, education, advocacy, and empowerment of vulnerable groups, especially women and youth, as key strategies for prevention.

Another key focus was the strengthening of servant leadership and collaborative networking, highlighting both the care for victims and for those who serve in this mission. The topic of protection and public advocacy was further developed through reflections on the importance of psychosocial support, the promotion of human rights–based policies, and engagement with governments and civil society to give voice to those who are exploited.

The sisters and priests also reflected on the hidden nature of victims’ vulnerabilities, often linked to poverty, gender inequality, and lack of protection. In response, they proposed concrete actions such as safe shelters, legal and psychosocial assistance, skills training, and stronger regional networking to promote the protection and reintegration of survivors.

Through group discussions, participants reaffirmed the three global priorities of Talitha Kum:

• Systemic change: promoting economic justice, gender equality, and responsible use of media and technology;
• Holistic, survivor-centered approach: providing healing, empowerment, and accompaniment for survivors;
• Broadened collaboration and partnerships: uniting religious, civil society, and government actors in a true “web of compassion and action.”

Each national delegation shared its progress, challenges, and good practices — from awareness programs and advocacy efforts to inter-congregational collaboration and shelter initiatives. The sisters and priests concluded the gathering by renewing their commitment to networking, prayer, and joint action, ensuring that prevention, protection, and reintegration remain at the heart of their shared mission.

The participants also established local hubs to strengthen the Talitha Kum presence throughout the region. United by the common dream of eradicating human trafficking, the consecrated women and men of Southern Africa reaffirmed their call to walk together in a genuine “web of compassion and action.”