The Somaly Mam Foundation is a Cambodian based, not for profit organization committed to ending modern day slavery. The Foundation works to eradicate sex slavery, liberate its victims, empower survivors to create and sustain lives of dignity and as agents of next-generation change.

Co-founder Somaly Mam is herself a victim of sex trafficking, having being forced into a brothel as a child. Born to a tribal minority family in the Mondulkiri province of Cambodia, Somaly Mam began life in extreme poverty. With limited options as 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 Somaly being sold into sexual slavery at a very young age. Somaly was forced to work in a brothel along with other women and children for many years, and was brutally tortured and raped. One night, she was made to watch as her best friend was viciously murdered. Deciding then that she would no longer “keep her silence,” Somaly heroically escaped her captors and began to build a new life abroad.

But she vowed never to forget those she left behind, and soon returned to Southeast Asia. She dedicated her life’s work to saving victims, building shelters and programs for healing, and empowering survivors to become agents of change.

In 1996, Somaly established a Cambodian non-governmental organization called AFESIP (Agir Pour les Femmes en Situation Precaire). Under Somaly’s leadership, AFESIP employs a holistic approach that ensures victims not only escape their plight, but have the emotional and economic strength to face the future with hope.

With the launch of the Somaly Mam Foundation in 2007, Somaly has established a funding vehicle to support anti-trafficking organizations and to provide victims and survivors with a platform from which their voices can be heard around the world. Somaly estimates that she and her team have assisted over 7,000 victims to date.
http://www.somaly.org

 

 

THE BOARD

Somaly Mam’s board and advisory board is a powerful group of individuals who share in her vision.
These include:

• Brandee Barker,  Former Head of Global Communications & Public Policy, Facebook
• Nicholas Lumpp,  Cofounder, Somaly Mam Foundation
• Daryl Hannah, Actress
• Petra Nemcova, Supermodel and Founder, Happy Hearts Fund
• Susan Sarandon, Actress and Activist

 

FUNDS RAISED

Through the Dine For Life events in Perth and Melbourne we are aiming to raise $100,000 to be donated to the Somaly Mam Foundation. Their holistic approach is dedicated to the eradication of sex slavery and the empowerment of its survivors. Their multilateral approach helps victims to escape their plight, empowers survivors with economic independence and and allows them to become advocates and activists of next-generation change.

The Foundation works on a large scale budget to deliver outcomes and care to residents in three rehabilitation centres that Somaly Mam founded in 1996 called AFESIP Cambodia.

Please read about the direct work that the Foundation is able to offer through the generous funding of international donors such as Dine for Life in their 2012 impacts and outcomes section – http://www.somaly.org/outcome-impact.

 

FROM THE DINE FOR LIFE FOUNDERS
“The idea that there are vulnerable young girls and children being sold into a life of forced prostitution, forced slavery and other forms of exploitation is too horrific to comprehend. The knowledge that this is real and happening at this very moment, so close to us, is shocking. Dine for Life is proud to be a platform for people from all walks of life to share in a united stand against this growing human rights issue and celebrate the people that are making a real difference in our world.”
– Andjelka Matic & Natasha Di Ciano

 

PROJECT FUTURES

Dine for Life have joined forces with Sydney-based not for profit PROJECT FUTURES, who represent the Somaly Mam Foundation in Australia. Project Futures and Dine for Life share like-minded values and passions in their dedication to making a significant difference to the most vulnerable people in this world. Both organisations are run by young, dynamic individuals who are excited to be working together to help engage people in the Dinner 2013 events held across the two cities http://www.projectfutures.com.

 

FROM THE DINE FOR LIFE FOUNDERS
“The collaboration between Dine for Life and PROJECT FUTURES is an inspiring example of how like-minded individuals and organisations can come together to create a greater, more meaningful impact on important social issues. Sharing a common goal – to raise awareness and funding for charities working to end human trafficking and rehabilitate its victims, Dine for Life and PROJECT FUTURES’ joint efforts will allow for a broader reach within the Australian community.”
– Andjelka Matic & Natasha Di Ciano

 

FROM THE PROJECT FUTURES FOUNDER
”Many Australians are unaware of the complex issues that surround the issue of human trafficking both in Australia and abroad. Collaborations like the one we have created with The Somaly Mam Foundation and now Dine for Life is key to generate support and awareness across various communities. Organisations like PROJECT FUTURES  and Dine for Life exist to financially support the vital work of service providers on the ground that have multi-channel approaches and services to provide care and necessary support for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.”
– Stephanie Lorenzo
CEO, PROJECT FUTURES Ltd