Inspiring Conversations: Transforming Lives and Lives Transformed – The Myths and Terrible Truths of Human Trafficking

The Inspiring Conversations Series featured a discussion about the issue of human trafficking and the dedication of women’s religious life with guest speakers Sr. Gabriella Bottani, S.M.C., and Sr. Ann Oestreich, I.H.M. This virtual event was led by Chris Stevens, the Co-Founding Director of the Inspired Leadership Initiative. Through this conversation, Sr. Bottani and Sr. Oestreich discuss the realities of human trafficking as well as the important steps their organizations are taking in order to combat this large issue.

In the beginning of the conversation, Sr. Bottani and Sr. Oestreich explained their journey to discovering their vocation of sisterhood. First, Sr. Bottani described that she was attracted by the presence of God that she discovered through the marginalized people in Milano; through her hometown, she made a new discovery of God and Jesus Christ. Initially, the sisterhood did not appear to correspond with her livelihood—she had a stable job and lived in a flat. However, she was called to become an international missionary, to work towards integral human development and evangelize. Next, Sr. Ann described her own journey. Originally, she had a professional teaching job. However, the undying voice in her head called her towards joining religious life. Initially, she did not intend to stay, but she quickly realized the joy of living in community and building relationships with other people of God.

In the next topic of the discussion, Sr. Bottani and Sr. Oestreich touched on the battle against human trafficking. They explained that the fight against this terrible issue is a collaborative effort. Trafficking is the destruction of trust, so we must work together and strengthen the trust in our relationships in order to combat it. Sr. Bottani explained that Talitha Kum, the International Network of Consecrated Life Against Trafficking, works to prevent human trafficking: they identify girls with the risk of being trafficked, give them information, and give them a safehouse. Although the battle is different depending on the country, there is a universal need for trust and a common purpose.

Additionally, Sr. Oestreich clarified the often misconstrued definition of trafficking; there are more types of trafficking than sex trafficking. In addition to sex trafficking (the most prevalent kind), there are types such as labor trafficking, organ trafficking, forced marriage, etc. The prevalence and danger of trafficking has sparked the voice of the Church. In 2019, the first document in Catholic Social Teaching dedicated to human trafficking was established, called “The Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking”. Additionally, the Pope is incredibly supportive of the work of the religious sisters. An initiative at the University of Notre Dame, Imago Dei, was founded in order to raise funds for the sisters’ work. Imago Dei focuses on raising awareness and educating students, faculty, and staff about the dangers and prevalence of this issue. Sr. Bottani and Sr. Oestreich explained that viewers can support their efforts through prayer, awareness, and donations. 

In the Q&A portion of the virtual event, Sr. Bottani and Sr. Oestreich answered a wide range of questions, touching on topics such as the role of systematic racism in human trafficking. Although any trafficking is unacceptable, Sr. Oestreich explained that human trafficking affects more people of color than white people in several countries, including the US, due to the role of systematic racism in our country. At the end of the conversation, Sr. Bottani left attendees with a powerful message, calling viewers to stand up and to not be afraid. Although the complexity of violence is terrifying, together we will find a way to change the world and support our brothers and sisters.

Visit the event page for more.