Last week, in the framework of the 8th of February, feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, the Talitha Kum network organised, supported by WUCWO, a Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. Young ambassadors of hope, such as Christelle Tambi from CWA UK, took part in the event, along with Margot and Mercè from the WUCWO secretariat, under the coordination of Maria Giovanna Ruggieri. We have joined this network because we cannot allow more people, many of them women, to continue to be victims of this painful reality.

Throughout the days there were several highlights with activities and testimonies aimed at reaffirming the commitment of young people in the fight against human trafficking. It all started with the Angelus prayer with Pope Francis in St Peter's Square. A prayer vigil was also held at Santa Maria in Trastevere, where all participants joined their voices in prayer to put an end to this drama in every continent and we experienced a special moment crossing the Holy Door together.

One of the most significant moments was the ‘Appeal for Hope and Healing’event, which included testimonies of survivors that deeply touched the audience. These testimonies of resilient women who have suffered but healed their wounds inspired us to keep fighting so that no one else has to go through similar experiences. At the same event, Lia Beltrami, director of the documentary In-Visibles, spoke about the importance of communication as a tool to denounce and raise awareness about human trafficking.

On 7 February, the online prayer and awareness pilgrimage against human trafficking was held, with not only the young ambassadors participating, but many WUCWO women joining virtually in this special day of prayer. We all felt committed to unite in the face of this injustice.

In addition, Christelle, Margot and Mercè had the opportunity to participate in a private audience with Pope Francis, who, from his residence in Santa Marta, encouraged those present to promote initiatives in defence of human dignity, to eradicate human trafficking in all its forms and to work for peace in the world. The three young women from WUCWO were able to greet the Pope, expressing their gratefulness for the responsibilities that women are increasingly taking on in the Church, and he responded with gratitude for the work being done in WUCWO.

With this testimony of commitment and faith, the young women of WUCWO reaffirm their determination to continue working for a world free of trafficking and for the dignity of every human being, united and committed to putting an end to this tragedy.