Hero isn't a word I use lightly. It's reserved for an individual who has overcome almost impossible odds and prevailed. More than simply prevailing, though, a hero is an individual who, against all odds, commits acts of remarkable courage. Somaly Mam is my hero, and on September 17th, 2009, I was privileged to attend "A Night of Hopes & Dreams," in her honor, in NYC.
For those of you not familiar with Somaly Mam, she overcame child sexual slavery in the brothels of Cambodia, to dedicate her life to saving other victims of sexual slavery in Cambodia. In the last 10 years, she has literally saved thousands of children and women who had been victims of sex trafficking. It was remarkable to hear her speak, and witness her grace, courage and loving spirit fill the room. What I find so extraordinary about my hero is that she never limited herself by playing into the fear she most undoubtedly felt. She understands that love is worth the risk, and lives in her complete truth, accepting her past, and using her experience to make the lives of everyone around her better.
The most moving portion of the event was when a young survivor, by the name of Day Le, sang a haunting song to open the evening. While I couldn't understand the words, I could feel the meaning. Pain, shame, redemption, resilience. Truly amazing.
Late last week I spoke to the Executive Director, Bill Livermore, of the Somaly Mam Foundation about the kind of support services offered to the survivors. Their approach is holistic in nature, encompassing everything from basic needs like food and shelter, to job training and education. If the survivors who spoke at the event were any indication of the effectiveness of their rehabilitation model, it certainly appears that it is working very well.
I can't think of many crimes more heinous then the sex trafficking and slavery of women and children. Somaly Mam has responded to this epidemic by giving hope, love, stability and education to those young women and children who have been violated sexually, physically and mentally. As I continue to work with GVNF to develop our response to the growing issues around sex trafficking, I will hold my experiences from this evening close to my heart. It was clear to me after attending "A Night for Hopes & Dreams," that with the right support services, survivors of sex trafficking can not only overcome their tragedy, but also flourish, just like my hero.
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