Each year the Foundation will award scholarships to survivors of sex trafficking. These funds, which are made available for a one-year period that begins on September 1 and ends on August 31, can be used for education, vocational training, advocacy programs, entrepreneurial enterprises, or other survivor-led initiatives or activities that increase the ability of a survivor of trafficking to serve as a voice against human sexual slavery or that contribute to a survivor’s integration into her community and the reduction of social stigma. A number of these scholarships will also be available to support continuing education or other activities that enhance the capacity of staff members of organizations dedicated to the eradication of human trafficking to carry out their work more effectively and with greater impact.

This fall the Foundation invited the staff of shelters, social service agencies, and anti-trafficking organizations based in Southeast Asia to submit nominations for scholarship recipients. The scholarships are intended for a survivor of sex trafficking who has shown aptitude for leadership and who has a specific plan of action or project that will enable her to act, or increase her impact, as an advocate against human trafficking or whose work will lead to a reduction in the social stigma experienced by trafficked people; or, a staff member at an anti-trafficking service provider or other agency to pursue educational or other opportunities that will enhance his or her capacity to work more effectively to end trafficking or its social stigma. 

The Somaly Mam Foundation is delighted to provide this opportunity for survivors of sex trafficking and their allies to strengthen their ability to speak out against human trafficking and its social stigma. We look forward to keeping you abreast of their progress.

December 1st – As part of a two part series inspired by Pulitzer Prize winners Nicolas Kristof and his wife, Sheryl Wudunn’s new book “Half the Sky,” the Oprah Winfrey Show will feature the story of Long Pross, a victim of sexual slavery who survived horrific atrocities and now serves as a role model for other girls at our shelters in Cambodia.

In an eye-opening hour, Oprah will feature several stories of women overcoming adversity to realize a better life for themselves. In conjunction with this two-part series, Oprah has launch a new registry online at www.oprah.com/forallwomen, where the Somaly Mam Foundation’s work to support sexual slave survivors is featured. Tune-in to the “Oprah” show on December 1st to hear Oprah’s call to action and to see how we can change the course of history. Check local listings for time and channel.

The Anti-Trafficking Day is sponsored by AFESIP and the Somaly Mam Foundation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and The Ministry of the Interior. Leading local anti-trafficking organizations, including International Justice Mission, Chab Dai, Hagar and ECPAT, will participate in this epic event. Speakers will address the problem of human trafficking from a local and global perspective, including Bill Livermore, the Executive Director of the Somaly Mam Foundation. For the first time ever, Prime Minister Hun Sen has agreed to attend the opening ceremony- a major milestone for Cambodian politics.

Evening activities will take place at the Olympic Stadium, featuring a live concert and entertainment from singers, comedians and actors. The aim of the concert is to send a clear message about the trafficking of people in Cambodia, the damage it does and ways in which to prevent it.

Over 150 people attended October’s Cocktails for a Cause at RDV, one of the most exclusive lounges in the meatpacking district of Manhattan. Highlighted on Guest of a Guest and Time Out NY, guests enjoyed specialty cocktails while proceeds supported anti-trafficking initiatives. December’s surprise location is sure to impress, and we expect double the number of attendees. Expect no cover, specialty drinks, DJ and more.

More information will follow.

Email events@somaly.org to RSVP.

Your Support and Actions Make A Difference

By Bill Livermore

Dear friends,

The release of the Somaly Mam Report comes at a time when we find ourselves facing great challenges and setbacks driven by the recent global economic downturn.

We also see great promise in the increased awareness that our cause is gaining and in the steps being taken internationally to address many of the issues that women and children are facing. This holiday season, your continued support is critical as we build on recent successes and respond to a hostile climate that has forced many more women and children into sexual slavery.

Please help us this holiday season »

Through the Somaly Mam Report we will:

• Keep you informed about our work to end modern day slavery;
• Get you the latest news about our programs that are rescuing and healing survivors;
• Bring attention to the state of trafficking around the world;
• Highlight the inspiring efforts of our volunteers and supporters;
• Help you take action to support the cause and spread awareness; and
• Tell you how survivors are taking bold steps to change their lives and those of others.

Through her personal strength and dedication, Somaly Mam has shown us how one person can turn adversity into a global movement for change. Her will and a belief that words must be turned into actions has made Somaly Mam the hero that inspires us all.

That commitment to action drives what we do at the foundation, and we see it every day in the response  that we receive from volunteers and supporters.

The past few months represent significant progress for the Somaly Mam Foundation and our cause.

Highlights include:

New Programs and Services

• Safe and affordable water for the shelters.
• Voices for Change scholarship program launch. We brought participants to the U.S. for intensive language classes.
• Microenterprise and sustainable employment for survivors. At CGI we launched a new microenterpise program in partnership with the Population and Community Development Association.

Partnerships

• The launching of the Body Shop Stop Campaign. The Somaly Mam Foundation is a partner and beneficiary of the U.S. and Canadian portion of this campaign.

Recognitions

• Survivor recognized for helping others. Free the Slaves awarded Sina Vann, one of our Voices for Change program participants, the prestigious Fredrick Douglass Award.
• Oprah invites Somaly Mam Foundation to join “For All Women Registry.” Through the registry you are able to support three of our survivor services.
• Somaly Mam takes the stage at the leading U.S. Women’s Conference

Government Action

• Advances in the Rule of Law. Key policies and laws to address violence against women are being developed and enacted internationally.

Your actions have made all of this possible and we need your continued support. Our work and commitment won’t end until modern day slavery is left to the pages of history, a place where it will continue to shock us, but no longer rob children of their innocence or women of their dignity.

Please support us with an online contribution.

If you’d like to add meaning to your holiday gift buying, please visit our online store to browse selected survivor-made products.

Our new scarves are absolutely beautiful and each design uniquely reflects the strength and beauty of the survivor who made it.

We hope that you have a safe and happy holiday season with your family and friends.

Bill Livermore

Executive Director, Somaly Mam Foundation

All of our shelters must purchase bottled water in order to ensure clean drinking water for residents, costing roughly $1500 per month. We are very happy to announce our partnership with A Child’s Right, an organization committed to providing clear, safe water to children in orphanages, street shelters, rescue homes, schools and hospitals around the world. A Child’s Right agreed to provide clean drinking water to all of our shelters via construction of an iron tower filtration system that will connect water container to the well. Construction of water towers at the Kompong Cham, Siem Reap and Dom Dy Centers is currently underway.