SR. Eugenia Bonetti Named "Woman of Courage" by U.S. Embassy to the Holy See for Anti-Trafficking Work, March 9, 2007

On Friday, March 9, 2007, at a reception in her honor, Consolata Missionary Sister Eugenia Bonetti was presented with a “Woman of Courage” award for her bold and tireless efforts to combat trafficking in persons. The award, signed by Ambassador Francis Rooney and presented by Chargè d’affaires Christopher Sandrolini, acknowledges women who advocate for women’s rights and advancement. It was inaugurated by the U.S. Department of State in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2007.

Paula J. Dobriansky, Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs, wrote in a letter presented to Sr. Bonetti: “We honor you for your exceptional courage and leadership. Your achievements have helped to create transformative change within your country and have set a positive example for emerging women leaders worldwide.”

The reception was attended by representatives of the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, members of religious orders, and friends of Sister Bonetti. In addition to the award presentation, Sister Bonetti gave a heartwarming speech about her work that touched all in attendance.

The United States has taken a leading role in addressing the global scourge of trafficking in persons. Its victims number over a million each year, and are most often the poorest and most defenseless members of the human family. Since 2000, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See has made the fight against human trafficking a key focus of its mission.

In 2004, Sr. Eugenia Bonetti was named one of six “Heroes Acting to End Modern-Day Slavery” in the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report published by the U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.