Interview with Sister Ana María Vilca Mamani, New Regional Representative of Talitha Kum

Sister Ana María has been a member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) since 1999. She is currently part of the U.S.-Ontario Province.

Talitha Kum is the international network of consecrated life against human trafficking, of which the SNJM are members.

Sister Ana María, how long have you been involved in the work against human trafficking, and in what ways do you contribute?

Although I do not hold an official position within the SNJM Congregation, in recent years I have participated in the efforts against human trafficking in several ways:

• as the National Coordinator of the Kawsay Peru Network since 2020.
• as a member of the Commission Against Human Trafficking of CLAR (Latin American Confederation of Religious) since 2023.
• as the Coordinator of the Training Program for Young Leaders against human trafficking for Latin America and the Caribbean since 2023.

What does this appointment as the Regional Representative of Talitha Kum mean to you?

I accept the role of Regional Representative of Talitha Kum for Latin America and the Caribbean with deep gratitude and a keen sense of responsibility. I am grateful for the trust placed in me to continue this shared mission in service of human dignity, particularly for those most vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation.

The Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary took a stand against human trafficking as early as 2004. My journey within the Kawsay Peru Network—which I joined in 2016 and have coordinated nationally since 2020—has strengthened my conviction in the value of networking and collective action. I feel this appointment is a recognition of the path we have traveled together and our membership in various continental networks that share the same mission.

Do you believe you can bring about changes or contribute to the evolution of certain processes?

My commitment as Regional Representative is to listen, coordinate, and strengthen existing processes in different countries, fostering the exchange of experiences, local leadership, and a shared regional vision that responds to our challenges.

How do you view the current situation and what are your hopes for the future?

Latin America and the Caribbean face structural challenges such as poverty, violence, organized crime, climate change, and forced migration, which increase the vulnerability of many people. In this context, I recognize with hope the resilience and commitment of national networks, as well as the active participation of young leaders and lay collaborators who, alongside the sisters, are advancing pathways of prevention, protection, and solidarity.

Talitha Kum, as an international network, invites us to journey together by coordinating comprehensive responses ranging from prevention to protection, including advocacy and accompaniment, in a dynamic of collaboration, listening, and mutual learning between regions.

I look toward the future with hope and the certainty that by working as a network and in spirit of synodality, we can continue to promote the freedom, justice, and dignity of all people. I thank Sister Abby and my Congregation for their trust and encouragement as I assume this new service.

I entrust this service to God and Mother Marie-Rose, for a world free from human trafficking.

You can learn more about Talitha Kum here: www.talithakum.info/en/