Last weekend, the global celebration of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of human trafficking, shed light on the ongoing battle against this heinous crime. In honor of this important day, Vatican News has dedicated numerous articles to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking.
Written by Sr. Gertrude Elelegu SSL and Sr. Agnes Abba SSL from Lagos
Let us share with you the powerful story of a survivor we will refer to as Judith (not her real name).
Meet Judith: A Survivor’s Tale
“Must we wait until people are trafficked before we reintegrate them into society?”
Judith, a young girl unable to afford her school exams, found herself in a desperate situation. Rejected by NGOs and left with no support, she fell prey to the false promises of traffickers offering a better life abroad. What awaited her was a nightmare of abuse and exploitation. Fortunately, with the intervention of NGOs, Judith was rescued and given a chance to rebuild her life.
Despite the help she received, Judith raises a poignant question: Why do we only help victims after they have suffered? What if she had not survived?
Expanding the Circle of Support
Judith’s story serves as a wake-up call for all of us to address the root causes of human trafficking. It is not enough to rescue victims; we must also prevent vulnerable individuals from falling into the hands of traffickers. By providing education and support to at-risk youth, we can empower them to resist the lure of traffickers.
Catholic sisters in Nigeria have been at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking, renewing their commitment to this cause in recent years. Through education and awareness campaigns, they are working to create a united front against this modern-day slavery.
Empowering Lives, Preventing Trafficking
Poverty and desperation are major drivers of human trafficking, pushing individuals into the clutches of traffickers. By empowering vulnerable individuals and families before they become victims, we can break the cycle of exploitation. This proactive approach is a fitting tribute to the legacy of St. Josephine Bakhita.
