The Beauty Bean supports The Somaly Mam Foundation

While The Beauty Bean recognizes that beauty and fitness are important, we are also acutely aware of the importance of looking beyond ourselves (and especially beyond our mirrors). It is with that in mind that The Beauty Bean has been designed to have an unparalleled focus on philanthropy. With the hope of raising awareness and promoting action, each year we will select and support an organization that we feel profoundly advances women’s rights. For 2010 we support The Somaly Mam Foundation, an inspiring organization dedicated to ending sex slavery around the world.

I first heard of Somaly Mam from Brooklyn Decker who had read Somaly’s autobiography, “The Road of Lost Innocence” and, knowing my background in women’s rights, encouraged me to read it as well. I bought it on my next visit to Wonderland Beauty Parlor where Michael Angelo is not only my most trusted mane-maven, but also a strong supporter of The Somaly Mam Foundation. I devoured Somaly’s heart-wrenching but triumphant story as a survivor of sex slavery in one sitting. My heartstrings were more than just pulled by Somaly’s vow to dedicate her life to saving and empowering other survivors.

It was, though, the way in which beauty is used to help reintegrate and rehabilitate survivors that had me convinced that The Somaly Mam Foundation was perfect for The Beauty Bean’s inaugural philanthropy. Not only does the foundation rescue victims, provide basic needs to survivors (such as food, shelter, medical, and psychological care), and fund educational and vocational training; but among the vocational programs offered is the opportunity to learn the arts of hair, makeup, and nails. For “untouchable” victims of sex trafficking, this not only gives them the opportunity to earn an income, but also gives them back the power to touch and be touched in beautiful way.

The Somaly Mam Foundation has helped thousands of women and girls in Cambodia. However, with over one million women and children sold into slavery each year, there are many more who need our help. So whether you read Somaly’s autobiography, wear a bracelet made by a survivor, make a donation, or visit Michael Angelo’s Wonderland Beauty Parlor (where they not only sell the book and bracelets but also donate a portion of proceeds annually to support the foundation), I hope you will join The Beauty Bean in supporting The Somaly Mam Foundation.

To learn more visit Somaly.org.