Zimbabwe Carmelites Rescue Trafficking Victims

Agape Leona rescues trafficked women and helps them rebuild their lives.

Agape Leona, a non-profit organisation in Harare, Zimbabwe is a lifeline for many trafficked women. An initiative of the Carmelite NGO, an international humanitarian organization affiliated with the United Nations, Agape Leona recovers victims of human trafficking and brings them home, then offers support and practical skills needed to help rebuild their lives.

Over the past few years, Agape Leona has recovered more than 200 Zimbabwean human trafficking survivors. About 50 women are receiving more help to further their education and learn a skill or trade.

"Our desire is to assist more survivors of human trafficking so that they can find their place in society again and live a fulfilling life with peace and joy," said Annah Theresa Nyadombo, HOLMC, PhD. She is a nun or religious sister of the Congregation of the Handmaids of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and an expert in safeguarding human trafficking victims and founder of Agape Leona. The women in rural, impoverished Zimbabwe are vulnerable. The representatives of various organisations as well as impersonators posing as recruiters come to their villages and promise them good jobs in Europe and the Middle East. There, far from home, many women are forced into labour enslavement and even prostitution. They have nowhere to turn for help.

Agape Leona staff found that many survivors want to start their own businesses. In response, they began offering training in business practices and specific skills such as sewing, baking special-occasion cakes and raising poultry and other livestock. The women also are growing businesses selling school uniforms and other clothing. Survivors also spread the word to other young people throughout the region, warning them about trafficking and enhancing their self-esteem so they are less vulnerable. Agape Leona works closely with African Catholic networks and other social welfare organizations to better serve survivors.

As per the estimates of the United Nations, about 21 million people are trafficked around the world, generating $32 billion annually for criminals. The Carmelites at Agape Leona work daily to prevent more Africans from being victimized and to rescue more victims from this modern-day scourge and give them back their lives.

(With inputs from Carmelite NGO)