SUOR GABRIELLA BOTTANI

“WOMAN FOR PEACE” Award

Life is a precious gift and there is no life that is worth more than another. In faith and respecting the intrinsic dignity of each individual, Sister Gabriella Bottani works by working in dialogue and collaboration with people of different religious traditions against human trafficking.

"Girl, I tell you, get up" is the literal meaning of the expression "Talitha Kum". A powerful call to life that well defines the mission of the International Network of Consecrated Life against trafficking, an initiative of which Sister Gabriella Bottani is the soul and coordinator and within which she addresses the abuse and exploitation of women and children with insistence. 77 are the countries where Talitha Kum grew up, acting concretely to intercept cases of trafficking in women in the bud, welcoming and rehabilitating those who, on the other hand, went down to hell but survived.

The Tip Report Hero award recognized her as one of the "heroes against trafficking" for her total dedication to the cause that President Mattarella also wanted to honor by appointing her as Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

Sister Bottani's is a real battle that is fought, however, with the weapons of peace and cooperation, knowledge and training.

To change consciences. To create networks and bonds aimed at uniting where reality tends to fragment. To open up new spaces towards freedom.

Text by Elettra Fiorini