We help victims of sex slavery to become survivors, and empower survivors as part of the solution.
The Somaly Mam Foundation (SMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the eradication of sex slavery and the empowerment of its survivors, led by the vision and life’s work of Cambodian survivor Somaly Mam. Founded in 2007, the organization's multilateral approach helps victims to escape their plight, empowers survivors as next-generation activists, and engages governments, corporations, and individuals in the fight.
We work closely with partners in Southeast Asia, where the trafficking of women and children is widespread and where, for nearly two decades, Somaly’s team has rescued women and children from exploitation and abuse and assisted them on a journey to health, hope, and economic independence. Thanks to SMF, Somaly's team and its AFESIP shelters have an international support network, and our Voices For Change program trains survivors as advocates, activists, and leaders of next-generation change. Our Cambodian advocacy team educates communities through workshops and seminars, and with grassroots campaigns and local Cambodian radio. We recently established a Cambodian student network, and we work closely with a network of local authorities.
The deeper impact of this work can be seen in subtle shifts in cultural norms, in a proud network of entrepreneurial female survivors starting businesses and social enterprises, in open conversations on human trafficking in mass media, in strategic government and police partnerships, and in a growing trust in the rule of law (critical to combating corruption and protecting the victims).
But we cannot end the problem without tackling the demand side. To this end, we ensure that our networks of students, activists, and other allies on the ground are working to shift thought and influence behavior.
Our goal is to help foster next-generation change and deem the exploitation and abuse of women and children in the sex industry intolerable. If you share this goal, help us get there. to support the rescue, recovery, and empowerment of women and children exploited in the sex trade.
Click here for program outcomes and results from 2011 and 2012.