Research shows that sex trafficking is disproportionately lucrative compared with other forms of slavery. He estimates that sex trafficking creates half of the total profits generated globally by modern slavery, despite only accounting for 5% of all trafficking victims worldwide.

“The concept is simple,” says Moul Samneang, Harpswell Foundation’s country director, explaining that while Cambodian boys can go to university, girls often can’t because parents are worried about their safety. “We’re bridging the gap by building safe spaces for them to stay while they study and enter the workforce.”

“We didn’t expect this to happen,” Guiapal whispers from the edge of the group. “Six months ago, none of these women could even say their own names without shaking. They were so scared. Now we can barely make them stay silent for a second. They have so many plans for rebuilding Marawi so that it specifically benefits women.”