As the global community prepares to mark Human Rights Day on December 10th, we pause to reflect on the sacred gift of human dignity, a gift entrusted to all of us to protect, honour, and defend. For the Religious Sisters of Charity, this day carries deep meaning. It reminds us that every person is created in the image of God, deserving of freedom, safety and the fullness of life.
In this spirit, we celebrate the recent achievements of Takuza (Talitha Kum Zambia) a faith based national network organisation committed to ending human trafficking. Since its establishment in 2021 Takuza has grown into an active network of over 45 congregations, reaching every Catholic diocese in Zambia. It’s mission is to safeguard the right to freedom, ensure the right to safety, restore the right to dignity and advocate for justice and systematic change.
Takuza’s work ranges from community awareness and survivor support to youth led initiatives and national partnerships. To date they have reached over 250,000 people through their community outreach, trained over 500,000 frontline officers across government agencies, Community service officers, and community leaders, and supported 65 survivors of human trafficking. These figures speak not only to dedication and perseverance but to a deep commitment to the protection of those most vulnerable.
On November 27th, Diamond Media Zambia honoured Takuza with an Impact Award at their annual Personality of the Year Awards. This recognition highlights the network’s tireless efforts to combat human trafficking and protect human rights across the country. We join in celebrating this well deserved acknowledgement of their work.
TAKUZA Programme Manager Sr. Patience Shinondo,Sr. Arasi Augustine, TAKUZA Director- Sr. Kayula Lesa, RSC pictured at the Personality of the Year Awards
Earlier in November, Takuza hosted the second Talitha Kum Africa Regional Assembly at Kasisi Retreat centre. This significant gathering brought together 55 Sisters, Priests and Youth Ambassadors representing 26 national networks across the Africa for a week of deep reflection, spiritual grounding and strategic collaboration. Under the theme, Stronger Together- Building Resilience in Combating Human Trafficking, participants prayed, listened and discerned how to strengthen prevention efforts, enhance protection for survivors and reinforce advocacy across the continent. The week embodied not only solidarity but the very essence of Human Rights Day, a commitment to ensuring the inherent dignity of every human person.
This assembly reminded all present that the fight against trafficking is, at its heart, a defence of human rights. When we work together, we weave stronger nets of protection for those at risk and create pathways of hope for those who have experienced exploitation.
As we approach December 10th we are reminded not only to reflect on the work that has been achieved but also to recommit ourselves to safeguarding the dignity of those most at risk of exploitation. May the efforts of organisations like Takuza, help inspire us to build a world in which every person’s rights are cherished, protected and upheld.
