Evaline Malisa Ntenga (WUCWO Regional Vice President Africa)
In November 2023, networking once again proved to be one of the most effective strategies employed by the World Women Ambassadors. Sr. Jansi Jai Stanislaus SCB, coordinator of Talitha Kum TCAS (Tanzania Catholic Association of Sisters), in collaboration with Sr. Eugenia Mshana, led the organization of a seminar in the Mbagala area of the Dar es Salaam Region. Their meticulous efforts ensured a well-coordinated event, with all necessary resources provided to facilitate a meaningful experience for the participants.
The seminar was graced by the presence of Father Nicholas Masamba, Head of the Department of Justice and Peace, who represented the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam. Mrs. Evaline Malisa, President of WUCWO Africa, also attended, emphasizing the significance of the occasion. The instructors included Sr. Grace Mkosamali OLGC, Mr. Christopher Mavunde, Fr. Josephat Leander Kabutta SJ, and Sr. Eugenia Mshana, each bringing valuable insights to the discussions.
The seminar addressed several critical aspects of human trafficking, beginning with an introduction to the issue and the key indicators that help identify victims. The presenters also examined the Tanzanian government’s efforts to combat trafficking and emphasized the crucial roles of citizens and religious leaders in addressing this challenge. Participants were introduced to the work of the Talitha Kum Network and guided through pastoral orientations on human trafficking, creating a holistic understanding of the issue.
The event brought together 137 participants, representing a diverse range of stakeholders. Among them were representatives of the diocesan offices, Caritas Dar es Salaam, and various associations, including WAWATA (Tanzania Catholic Women Association), UWAKA (Tanzania Catholic Men Association), and VIWAWA (Catholic Youth Association of Tanzania). Religious leaders from 18 congregations, catechists, local government officials, and members of other faith communities also attended, alongside immigration officers, police, educators, and students. The diversity of the attendees reflected the importance of a collaborative approach to combating human trafficking.
The seminar fostered active engagement through group discussions, where participants developed concrete action plans to address the issue. These plans included strategies to rescue and support victims of trafficking, initiatives to uphold the dignity of vulnerable individuals, and proposals to raise awareness within their communities. Participants also began preparations for two significant events: a day of prayer on St. Bakhita Day in February 2024 and the commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, 2024, in Dar es Salaam.
The discussions revealed a deep interest from participants, many of whom expressed the need for more frequent seminars, particularly for individuals working closely with young people. They suggested extending the seminar to two or three days in future editions to allow for a deeper exploration of the topics. Participants also called for greater outreach to village leaders, parents, educators, and government officials, underscoring the importance of involving a broad spectrum of society in the fight against human trafficking.
The seminar’s success lay in its ability to inspire participants to take action. By providing a platform for education, dialogue, and collaboration, the World Women Ambassadors and their partners have reaffirmed their commitment to addressing one of the most pressing social challenges of our time. This initiative is a testament to the power of collective effort in restoring dignity and hope to those affected by human trafficking.
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