Tonight, on May 23rd 2024, the second edition of the Sisters’ Anti – Trafficking Awards was held at the Augustinianum, in Rome at the presence of almost 200 guests. The event was organized by Arise Foundation, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the UISG.

After the welcome speech of Sr. Mary Barron, OLA, UISG President and Delia Gallagher, Vatican journalist and moderator of the ceremony, Sr. Nathalie Becquart, xmcj, Under-Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, delivered the keynote speech.
In her address, Sr. Nathalie expressed her gratitude for sisters’ engagement in combatting human trafficking: “Your engagement inspires and engages us.” She highlighted the characteristics of their services, which reflect perfectly the synodal path: working together, listening to the victims, survivors and people working at the grassroots, desire to walk alongside the most vulnerable.

The central panel of the event featured speakers who, in many different ways and roles, are involved in the fight against human trafficking: Mary Mugo, an Anti-Trafficking Youth Ambassador from Kenya, Nasreen Sheikh, a widely respected advocate for survivors, and Kevin Hyland, the former UK Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

The key moment of the evening was presentation of awards to three sisters who have demonstrated exceptional courage, creativity, collaboration and achievement in the protection of their communities from human trafficking.

Sr. Grasy Luisa Rodrigues FDCC from India received the Common Good Award from the Arise Founding President, John Studzinski CBE.

The UISG President, Sr. Mary Barron, OLA, presented the Servant Leadership Award to Sr Anne Victory HM from the USA.

Human Dignity Award, announced by Associate Vice President of Program Operations at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, Ph.D, went to Sr. Marie Claude Naddaf RGS from Lebanon.

In the coming days, we will share documentaries showcasing the important work of each laureate. 

Photo gallery of the event