We are part of the Sisters Adoratrices
A global humanitarian congregation that has been caring for women in prostitution and women who have experienced sexual exploitation for over 160 years.
An essential part of the Sisters’ mission is to provide the compassionate support that helps women flourish, freely and unconditionally, so that they can rebuild confidence in themselves and trust in others.
The Sisters also promote women’s rights, advocating for a more just society in which women are treated with humanity, dignity and respect.
Locations
Rahab is one of 131 projects the Sisters have across 25 countries. Together we support more than 11,500 women each year.
Women supported (2019)
Social projects
Countries
Sisters
Volunteers
Lay group
Hostels
Educational centres
— Scroll the Map to see all locations —
1. Spain (1859), 2. Italy (1899), 3. Argentina (1910), 4. Chile (1919), 5. Bolivia (1926), 6. Venezuela (1927), 7. Japan (1928), 8. Colombia (1929), 9. Morocco (1929), 10. Portugal (1936), 11. India (1947), 12. England (1959), 13. France (1967), 14. Dominican Republic (1986), 15. Ecuador (1989), 16. Peru (1998), 17. Cambodia (2004), 18. Brazil (2006), 19. Cuba (2007), 20. Togo (2008), 21. Cape Verde (2009), 22. Philippines (2010), 23. Nepal (2013), 24. Haiti (2016), 25. Vietnam (2017)
We support and welcome everyone
Our inspiration and values are derived from the Christian-faith-based mission of the Sisters Adoratrices. These values are shared and enriched by many people of other faiths, and of no religious faith, that work and partner with us.
We embrace this diversity, and are committed to inclusiveness and respect of all people no matter what their circumstances, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion and belief, disability or age.
Saint Maria Micaela
1809-1865
The Congregation of Adoratrices was set up in 1856 in Madrid, Spain by Maria Micaela, Viscountess of Jorbalan.
Micaela was born in 1809 into the Spanish aristocracy with the fearless temperament of her father and the compassionate heart of her mother.
As a noblewoman, much of Micaela’s time was spent supporting charities and attending social events. During one of Micaela’s charitable visits to Saint John of God Hospital, she met a young woman who had been deceived by her husband and forced into prostitution.
This encounter deeply challenged Micaela and led her to question her comfortable and privileged life. She went through periods of struggle that few understood or accepted – even her family – and eventually choose to leave her wealth, title and position to dedicate herself to living with and caring for the women.
In 1845, Micaela opened her first home. Uncovering a great need, she worked tirelessly and courageously to open seven safe homes amidst fierce opposition from society.

Portrait of Maria Micaela c. 1846 held by the Marquis of Casa Valdes and portrait of St Maria Micaela painted in 1865, a month before her death by order of Queen Isabel II.
Our name 'Rahab'
Hebrew: רחב
Pronunciation: rah’hav
Rahab was a woman in the Bible who worked in prostitution and identified her house by a scarlet cord tied in the window. In the Israelites’ battle to occupy the Promised Land, Rahab offers her home as a place of safety to Joshua’s spies. In return the spies promise to save her and her family when the city walls fall. (Book of Joshua, chapter 2)
What inspires us about Rahab’s story is her courage and strength in an extreme and difficult situation. And it’s the scarlet cord that we choose as our reminder that faith – risky, never easy, and often found in unlikely places – has the potential for opening doors to new possibilities.
What we have achieved so far
Since Rahab was established in 2009, we’ve helped more than 1500 women from more than 50 countries.
Women helped
Volunteers
Volunteering hours

A beginning
The Sisters reflect on how to establish the Congregation’s mission in London.
Outreach
Outreach to women in our local area in Kensington and Chelsea begins.
Pilot programme
A pilot programme is set up and we are joined by a dedicated group of volunteers who are called to support the mission.A new chapter
Rahab is formally registered as a charity.
The Rahab Sanctuary
The Rahab Sanctuary is opened to welcome the women and to provide a base for the work.
Partnerships
EU funding is acquired and partnerships with the Met Police and other organisations established.
Micaela's Home
Micaela's Home for women is opened with funding from the Big Lottery.
Recognition
Rahab receives Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea’s Mayor’s Award in recognition of the outstanding contribution made in the community caring for women involved in prostitution.Anniversary
Rahab celebrates its tenth anniversary.Our leadership team

Father Matthew Blake OCD

Tim Drake

Kevin Hyland OBE

Sister Doly Mathew

Sister Antonia Lopez

Antony Northrop

Rosslyn Okumu

Bex Keer
