Honoring Somaly Mam

Somaly Mam
Born to a tribal minority family in the Mondulkiri province of
Cambodia, Somaly Mam began life in extreme poverty. With limited
options as a member of a severely marginalized ethnic group, and
living in unimaginable despair, her family often resorted to desperate
means to survive. This confluence of dire circumstances led to the
unspeakable horrors that would mark Somaly's early years. Somaly
was sold into sexual slavery by a man who posed as her grandfather.

Somaly heroically escaped her captors and set about building a new
life for herself. She vowed never to forget those left behind and has
since dedicated her life to saving victims and empowering survivors.
With the launch of The Somaly Mam Foundation in 2007, Somaly
has established a funding vehicle to support anti-trafficking
organizations and provide victims and survivors a platform from
which their voices can be heard around the world.

For her tireless efforts, Somaly has justifiably garnered world-wide
respect and is now a renowned leader at the forefront of the
anti-trafficking struggle. Universally recognized as a visionary for her
courage, dignity, ingenuity, and resilience, Somaly was honored as
one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2009 and was
recently featured as a CNN Hero.

Somaly continues to lead a simple life and works hard in the
Cambodian recovery centers, living among the women and children
she rescues and staying by their side as they walk the difficult path to
recovery and freedom.

My Sisters’ Place is privileged to present her with our special
Voices of Change Award