Somaly Mam

Somaly Mam (born March 1, 1967) is a Cambodian human rights activist known for her work against human trafficking and sexual slavery. She is the founder of the Somaly Mam Foundation, an organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of victims of sex trafficking.

Early Life

Somaly Mam was born in the Mondulkiri Province of Cambodia. Her early life was marked by hardship and exploitation, which she later recounted in her autobiography, "The Road of Lost Innocence". She was sold into sexual slavery as a child, an experience that profoundly influenced her later activism.

Activism

In the 1990s, Somaly Mam began her work in anti-trafficking efforts. She co-founded AFESIP (Agir pour les Femmes en Situation Précaire), a non-governmental organization that works to combat sex trafficking in Southeast Asia.

Somaly Mam Foundation

In 2007, she established the Somaly Mam Foundation in the United States to support her work in Cambodia and raise awareness about human trafficking globally. The foundation focused on providing support to victims and advocating for stronger anti-trafficking laws.

Controversy

In 2014, Somaly Mam faced allegations that parts of her personal story were fabricated. These allegations led to her resignation from the Somaly Mam Foundation. Despite the controversy, her work has had a significant impact on the fight against human trafficking.

Recognition

Somaly Mam has received numerous awards for her activism, including being named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2009. Her efforts have been recognized by various international organizations dedicated to human rights and women's rights.

See Also

• Human trafficking in Cambodia
• Sexual slavery
• Women's rights in Cambodia

External Links

• Official website of the Somaly Mam Foundation