AFESIP was founded in 1996 by Somaly Mam, and is one of the Somaly Mam Foundation’s closest partners. Translated from French, its name stands for “Acting for Women in Distressing Situations.” AFESIP provides rescue, outreach, recovery, and reintegration services to victims and survivors of sex trafficking in Southeast Asia.
The Somaly Mam Foundation and AFESIP work together to support Somaly Mam’s tireless efforts to rescue, heal, and empower the women and children whose lives have been torn apart by modern-day slavery. AFESIP operates three shelters in Cambodia, all of which receive support from SMF. Women and girls at the shelters enter a holistic system of services, from medical and psychological care to education and vocational training. As survivors progress through the healing process, they are given the skills necessary to find sustainable, long-term employment, or, if they desire, to start their own businesses. After a survivor leaves the shelter to begin an independent life, AFESIP provides ongoing assistance through monthly visits, training, and other critical support services. This ensures that survivors are empowered with the skills and resources that they need for success.
In addition to offering direct services, AFESIP works to address the causes and consequences of sex trafficking through HIV/AIDS outreach and regional advocacy. As one of our key on-the-ground partners in Southeast Asia, AFESIP receives ongoing support for all of its operations from SMF to ensure that the women and children in AFESIP’s care will always have a safe and supportive environment in which to live, grow, and learn. SMF’s survivor-empowerment programs, which include the SMF Voices For Change program, the SMF Scholarship Fund, and our new business program, work hand in hand to strengthen and extend AFESIP’s survivor services.
As part of the Somaly Mam Foundation’s global advocacy efforts, SMF works regularly with AFESIP on awareness initiatives and events in Southeast Asia such as Cambodia’s Anti-Trafficking Day. SMF’s partnership with AFESIP continues to grow as the two organizations work together to empower survivors with sustainable economic opportunities; enhance survivor services; address the root causes of slavery; and expand awareness of human trafficking in Cambodia and Southeast Asia. To learn more about AFESIP, visit www.afesip.org.