Vatican News recently interviewed Sister Eugenia Mshana, a member of the Holy Union Sisters Leadership Team in Tanzania about the work of the Tanzania Catholic Association of Sisters (TCAS). Since 2021, TCAS have launched awareness and educational campaigns across six key regions in the country.
They have worked as partners with the global Talitha Kum Network, an international alliance of women religious dedicated to preventing and combating human trafficking and aiding survivors to rebuild their lives. In the interview, Sr. Eugenia Mshana who is a prominent figure in the Talitha Kum Tanzania initiative, shared that their work centers on grassroots education through churches, mosques, schools, and universities. They work especially in Tanzania’s border regions, which are especially vulnerable.
Sister Eugenia emphasized the critical need for more safe houses, school-based clubs, and community watch groups. She noted the programme’s tangible outcomes: since 2021, over 32,000 Tanzanians have been educated on trafficking risks and prevention. TCAS has also successfully helped repatriate trafficking victims from parts of Asia and neighboring African nations.
In addition to direct intervention, TCAS works in many areas to mobilize public support. Challenges such as limited resources, insufficient time for comprehensive follow-up, and a pressing shortage of safe shelters for rescued victims continue. Despite these challenges, Sister Eugenia remains optimistic. She believes that the commitment of Catholic sisters through Talitha Kum has laid a strong foundation in the fight against trafficking. With enhanced coordination, increased funding, and sustained collaboration, their mission can grow even stronger—restoring hope and dignity to those most at risk.