Cambodia: A Cambodian Wins Woman of the Year Award

Andy Brouwer is pleased that the Cambodian activist Somaly Mam was awarded the Woman of the Year award by the US magazine Glamour. In an earlier post, Andy has written about Somaly Mam and the work she is doing in Cambodia. “If you aren't aware of Somaly Mam, she's the president and co-founder of AFESIP, a grassroots NGO which works to combat trafficking of women and children into sex slavery.”

10 comments

  • […] Somaly Mam works hard. She works hard to cope with her past. In her childhood, she experienced rape, torture, and violence. With her husband Pierre Legros, she founded the AFESIP (Agir pour les Femmes en Situation Précaire) NGO in 1997 in Cambodia where trafficking in persons is one of the most serious issues. In October 2006, as a Cambodian human rights activist who has dedicated her life to rescuing women and girls from sexual slavery, the 35-year-old was honored as one of Glamour magazine’s women of the year at a presentation at Carnegie Hall in New York City. […]

  • […] Cambodia: Somaly Mam awarded Women of the Year Somaly Mam works hard. She works hard to cope with her past. In her childhood, she experienced rape, torture, and violence. With her husband Pierre Legros, she founded the AFESIP (Agir pour les Femmes en Situation Précaire) NGO in 1997 in Cambodia where trafficking in persons is one of the most serious issues. In October 2006, as a Cambodian human rights activist who has dedicated her life to rescuing women and girls from sexual slavery, the 35-year-old was honored as one of Glamour magazine’s women of the year at a presentation at Carnegie Hall in New York City.‘Details are Sketchy,’ a blog about all things Cambodia, has a number of links to weblog posts on news on the campaigner against human trafficking. Without a doubt, if somewhat belatedly, a huge congratulations goes to Somaly Mam, co-founder of the NGO Afesip, who was recently awarded the title of Women of the Year by Glamour magazine. […]

  • Sonia L Neville

    Yesterday I saw Somali Mam in the news and learnt about her amazing journey and initiative. My heart broke to see little children victims of such horrific fate such as prostitution and HIV. Where is the justice in this world??? And above all I am asking, how could mothers offer their little sons and daughters to peadophiles and brothels? Where is the dignity, where is the compassion, where is the Cambodian government at all this? What kind of society are they creating? I am appalled, angry and confused. In 2005, 5 million human beings dissapeared in slave traffic in Latinoamerica, many of them were children and many of them may not be alive today. Where is the JUSTICE!!!! Where is the fair go????? Something must be done about this, where is the Western world??? I wish to get in contact with Somali to help please, could anyone send me her details.
    Regards,

    Sonia

  • Freya

    Somaly Mam is a woman of supreme courage, facing corrupt government officials and cops to rescue girls and women from one of the vilest evils that plagues humankind. She should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize! I will be glad to contribute what I can to support her crusade.

  • Kate

    I know some information about Somaly Mam and the foundation (AFESIP) because a friend is very involved.
    They could really use any donation because they are planning some events to get the UN and even some celebrities involved to gain money for rehabilitation for the girls and to spread awareness. When you donate $25 or over, you get a cute bracelet made by the girls (one of the first things they learn is how to weave).

    I would recommend visiting the Glamour article because it gives such good info about Cambodia and more insight into Somaly’s life.

    Here are some of the websites.

    The Somaly Mam’s foundation website is:
    http://www.somalymamfoundation.org/index.html

    The AFESIP website is:
    http://www.afesip.org/

    The Glamour article by Mariane Pearl is:
    http://www.glamour.com/news/feature/articles/2006/07/31/globaldiary06sep

  • Ros. Davies-hall

    In support of Somaly Mam i recommend everyone read”The Road of Lost innocence” her biography. it will open doors for ypu and change your life but moreso it will pave a pathway of support for this uniquely brave woman and this universal cause.Lets unite against child abuse in all forms and slavery.

  • When I was young I used to have nightmares of something chasing me down dark alleyways. I always woke perspiring.
    One night, in my dreams, I actually stopped and turned to face my agressor.
    There was no one there, and the nightmares stopped.
    I feel for Somaly with her nightmares.
    Hopefully she will read this, and if able, stop in her dreams to allow the snakes and maggots to be poured over her. It will not happen and the nightmares should stop.
    Thanks for sharing your horrific experience with me, you are a remarkable lady.

  • I read about Somali Mam in my recent copy of the Sunday Express, and was very saddened by her story of abuse. What a wonderful woman she is, to go back to her homeland to help others going through the same plight. I hope we hear far more of this lady via the media, as she deserves all the help she can get. How can the Cambodian Gov. close their eyes to this terrible injustice, which is happening on theire own doorstep?Shame on them.
    We should all write to the Cambodian Gov. demanding why they are not doing anything to stop it.
    I’m hoping to get Somali’s book as soon as I can get one, and May God Bless her and all she does to better the lives of these children.
    Thanks

    Ivy.

  • Mónica

    I spent a summer in Cambodia three years ago. I was so touch by the plague of prostitution in the country that I decided to write a book to tell the world what is going on there and somehow give a hand in stopping this horror. I am currently finishing it and I hope it will be published in not too long to contribute to raise awareness in the world…

  • I have just read Somalys book from my library and hope she can keep strong to continue her wonderful work. She is an inspiration to all.

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