Phallika Hy

Somaly Mam Foundation

The Somaly Mam Foundation (SMF) is a nonprofit organization committed to ending modern slavery and empowering its survivors as part of the solution. We work closely with partners in Southeast Asia, where the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls is widespread. SMF has supported thousands of women and girls on their journey to health, hope, and economic independence. Our Voices For Change survivor-leaders work as advocates, activists, and catalysts of next-generation change. On a deeper level, we see the impact of this work 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, which is critical to combating corruption and protecting survivors. All of these are steps down a road to end the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls for good. Our Vision: A world where women and girls are safe from trafficking and sexual exploitation. Our Mission: The Somaly Mam Foundation is dedicated to eradicating the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and girls in Southeast Asia, and empowering survivors as part of the solution. To that end: -We serve victims by providing counseling, medical care, and skills training to foster personal and economic empowerment. -We empower survivors to use their voices and share their stories in order to raise awareness and advance social change. -We advocate for systemic change by educating communities, engaging government officials, and mobilizing students toward prevention efforts.