Internationally renowned speaker and women’s advocate Somaly Mam spoke to Senior College students from Years 9-12 at a leadership breakfast and assembly at Abbotsleigh on Friday 25 February 2011.

 

Somaly Mam is a Cambodian woman who was sold into the sex trade at the age of 12. She was forced into a life of abuse, rape, torture and endured unimaginable hardship.

 

‘Talking about trafficking is not easy… It’s not easy because trafficking is big. It is not just in Cambodia, it’s around the world,’ she told the students.

 

After managing to escape the industry, Somaly went on to establish a Cambodian nongovernment organisation (AFESIP). This organisation rescues, rehabilitates and re-integrates women and children who have been rescued from forced sexual servitude in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

 

She said that turning a victim into a survivor was about empowerment. ‘We need to empower the woman, empower the girl.’ At her three rehabilitation centres, the girls are loved and helped, educated and taught how to make a living.

‘My job is easy. Go in, save the girl, give them a hug, love them. That is the best in my life.’

 

Somaly emphasised that young people should have love and compassion in their lives. ‘I cannot end the sex trade, but you can, because of your education. You are young, you have more energy. We get old, so we need you.’

 

‘To end trafficking, it’s not me, it’s all of you. We need young people to end it.’

 

Debating and Public Speaking Prefect Lucy Butcher, Year 12, said Somaly's talk was a moving experience. ‘Hearing from Somaly, a survivor of the sex trafficking industry, was confronting yet very inspirational as she highlighted the idea that as young people we have the power to change an unimaginable experience into positive action and awareness.’

 

Vice Head Prefect Duties Jessica Li, Year 12, said the morning was very inspirational. ‘In our society, slavery and sex trafficking isn't something that comes up often in conversation but hearing Somaly's personal, first-hand account has really made me (and I'm sure all of those who heard her message) want to do something to help. She taught me that she wasn't a victim, she was a survivor and if everybody did just one thing, we can change the world.’

 

Students also attended the event from several other local schools, including Arden, Asquith Girls’ High School, Barker College, Hornsby Girls’ High School, Knox, Loreto Kirribilli, Loreto Normanhurst, Normanhurst Boys, North Sydney Girls’ High School and Roseville College.

 

Somaly’s dedication and work in fighting sex trafficking has justifiably garnered worldwide respect and seen her recognised by Time Magazine as being one of the world’s top 100 most influential people.