United in the Fight Against Child Exploitation and Trafficking: My Journey with the Sisters of St. Louis

In March 2022, I welcomed Nigerian Sisters Janet, Faith, Bridget, and Roseland to the United States. Our paths crossed as part of a shared mission to combat human trafficking and child exploitation, issues that know no borders.

Over the past year, we have spent countless hours together, delving into the complexities of this global crisis. Our conversations have revealed both the stark similarities and the poignant differences in how children are exploited and trafficked in Africa and the US. These discussions have been eye-opening, highlighting the urgent need for a unified approach to address these atrocities.

The Sisters of St. Louis, spearheaded by the visionary Sr. Patricia Ebegbulem, have been at the forefront of this battle in Nigeria since 1996. Their work, particularly through initiatives like the Committee for the Support of the Dignity of Women (COSUDOW) and Bakhita Villa, has been instrumental in rescuing and rehabilitating trafficked women and girls. Their dedication is a beacon of hope and a call to action for all of us.

Inspired by their relentless commitment, we have joined forces to extend this fight beyond geographical boundaries. Together, we are dedicated to raising awareness, educating communities, and advocating for policy changes to protect the most vulnerable among us.

This collaboration has reinforced my belief that it takes a global village to combat the scourge of human trafficking and child exploitation. As we continue to work hand in hand, I am hopeful that our combined efforts will pave the way for a safer, more just world for children everywhere.

In solidarity,

Tanya

The story about the sister’s convent:

The Sisters of St. Louis, under the leadership of Sr. Patricia Ebegbulem, have been actively involved in the fight against human trafficking since 1996. Their involvement began when Sr. Patricia, as the then Provincial Superior and chair of the Women Religious in Nigeria, responded to a request from the Women Religious in Italy to collaborate in rescuing and rehabilitating trafficked girls and young women, particularly those trafficked to Europe and Italy.

Sr. Patricia went on to become the National President of Women Religious of Nigeria, during which she co-founded the Committee for the Support of the Dignity of Women (COSUDOW). She also served as the Regional Coordinator for the African Network Against Human Trafficking (ANAHT) and for The Global Network of Consecrated Persons Against Human Trafficking (TALITHAKUM).

Following her term as Provincial Superior, Sr. Patricia, with the support of the Sisters of St. Louis, dedicated herself full-time to anti-human trafficking efforts. In collaboration with the Women Religious of Nigeria and Slaves No More, led by Sr. Eugenia Bonetti, they established Bakhita Villa in Lagos, which serves as a re-entry point for trafficked women and girls returning either voluntarily or through deportation. Slaves No More assisted with the rent for Bakhita Villa until the Sisters of St. Louis, in partnership with the Order of Malta, built a Safe House capable of accommodating around 20 ladies at a time.