Bon’s Story

Her smile says it all – resilience, strength and hope. Bon was rescued from the brothels of Cambodia at age 19. When she first arrived at a rescue shelter, she suffered from depression, anger and physical health issues. Through counseling and skills training she has recovered in multiple ways and learned a new trade: sewing.

Despite her tragic experiences, Bon is now hoping for a brighter future. Our staff has witnessed noticeable improvement in Bon’s demeanor and work ethic. She is detail-oriented completes all her sewing projects with great care. She is learning how to read and write Khmer so she will not be cheated or exploited in the future. With the wages she earns she lives in a one-room apartment near the facility and she also supports her family who are still living in their home village. Bon dreams of one day opening her own little grocery store in her home village.

The first thing you notice about Bon is her shy, beautiful smile. This smile became particularly radiant when she participated in Nomi Network’s Project Beauty. This program uses photography and modeling as a means of building self-confidence in survivors and women at-risk of sexual slavery. When the photo shoot began Bon was timid in front of the camera, but as the shoot continued, she transformed in front of the lens and became a playful and confident woman. Join us in supporting women like Bon, and celebrate these women and their stories of transformation.