Your Support and Actions Make A Difference

By Bill Livermore

Dear friends,

The release of the Somaly Mam Report comes at a time when we find ourselves facing great challenges and setbacks driven by the recent global economic downturn.

We also see great promise in the increased awareness that our cause is gaining and in the steps being taken internationally to address many of the issues that women and children are facing. This holiday season, your continued support is critical as we build on recent successes and respond to a hostile climate that has forced many more women and children into sexual slavery.

Please help us this holiday season »

Through the Somaly Mam Report we will:

• Keep you informed about our work to end modern day slavery;
• Get you the latest news about our programs that are rescuing and healing survivors;
• Bring attention to the state of trafficking around the world;
• Highlight the inspiring efforts of our volunteers and supporters;
• Help you take action to support the cause and spread awareness; and
• Tell you how survivors are taking bold steps to change their lives and those of others.

Through her personal strength and dedication, Somaly Mam has shown us how one person can turn adversity into a global movement for change. Her will and a belief that words must be turned into actions has made Somaly Mam the hero that inspires us all.

That commitment to action drives what we do at the foundation, and we see it every day in the response  that we receive from volunteers and supporters.

The past few months represent significant progress for the Somaly Mam Foundation and our cause.

Highlights include:

New Programs and Services

• Safe and affordable water for the shelters.
• Voices for Change scholarship program launch. We brought participants to the U.S. for intensive language classes.
• Microenterprise and sustainable employment for survivors. At CGI we launched a new microenterpise program in partnership with the Population and Community Development Association.

Partnerships

• The launching of the Body Shop Stop Campaign. The Somaly Mam Foundation is a partner and beneficiary of the U.S. and Canadian portion of this campaign.

Recognitions

• Survivor recognized for helping others. Free the Slaves awarded Sina Vann, one of our Voices for Change program participants, the prestigious Fredrick Douglass Award.
• Oprah invites Somaly Mam Foundation to join “For All Women Registry.” Through the registry you are able to support three of our survivor services.
• Somaly Mam takes the stage at the leading U.S. Women’s Conference

Government Action

• Advances in the Rule of Law. Key policies and laws to address violence against women are being developed and enacted internationally.

Your actions have made all of this possible and we need your continued support. Our work and commitment won’t end until modern day slavery is left to the pages of history, a place where it will continue to shock us, but no longer rob children of their innocence or women of their dignity.

Please support us with an online contribution.

If you’d like to add meaning to your holiday gift buying, please visit our online store to browse selected survivor-made products.

Our new scarves are absolutely beautiful and each design uniquely reflects the strength and beauty of the survivor who made it.

We hope that you have a safe and happy holiday season with your family and friends.

Bill Livermore

Executive Director, Somaly Mam Foundation