Happy Birthday Mothers’ Union

Lois was honoured to be asked to be one of the speakers at the Emmanuel Centre. Her talk, which was entitled "Enabling Freedom: The power of partnership in anti‑slavery action”, celebrated and reflected on the organisation’s 150-year legacy and some of its hopes for the future. 

We’re particularly thankful for all the Mothers’ Union in the UK has done through its national programme to raise awareness around modern slavery. Hundreds of Mothers’ Union members have prayed for victims of modern slavery, hosted events to raise awareness and educate and supported the work of The Clewer Initiative ever since we began! What’s more, we’re thrilled that, in this anniversary year, the Mothers’ Union has chosen to prioritise and invigorate its national programme on modern slavery. 

Lois Bosatta explains: “Rather than siloed action, our collaboration – bringing the expertise of The Clewer Initiative and the energy of the membership of Mothers’ Union together – has the power to bring real change to our communities and prevent exploitation through the witness, presence and courage of women and men around Britain and Ireland.  

“The focus of the strengthened national programme will be to ensure we all feel confident to safely and sensitively know what we are observing and how to refer appropriately, if we have concerns.  

“The national programme will seek to resource and train a new cohort of anti-slavery champions, equipping them to inspire and mobilise hundreds of Mothers’ Union members across Britain and Ireland as well as parishioners and neighbours nationwide, with the aim of mobilising the entire network to prevention and intervention grassroots activity.   

“We hope the campaign will mirror the success of the Mothers’ Union domestic violence campaign, 'RISE UP' which focused on raising awareness about domestic abuse, issuing 235 awards in two years.” 

We are currently developing the modern slavery certification programme and bespoke resources including posters, devotional reflections, a handbook, awareness training for the MU's e-learning platform and input for key champions to help deliver training and engage action in their local contexts and multiply impact. 

Lois concludes: “The Mothers’ Union is an inspiration to us at The Clewer Initiative. 150 years since it began and it is a wonderful example of a faith-based, grassroots community action organisation. It has transformed lives across the world, and we have so much to learn from their work and members! Happy Birthday Mothers’ Union!”