The Vision
The Vision for NOA
A world where there is no sexual exploitation of women and children and that everyone has the opportunity to live a purposeful and valued life.
NOA is a Laos word meaning ‘great river’ or ‘great water’ & can be used to describe the great Mekong river that forms the border between Laos & Thailand; then flows through Cambodia to the sea.
Why South East Asia?
Many surfers and travellers explore the beauty of Thailand and the Mekong region (S.E Asia) to enjoy the surf and culture but the darker side and reality for so many local people is being trapped in selling their bodies for sex.
Driven by poverty some women feel this way of life is their only viable option to make money to support their families.
Other girls or their families are coerced or deceived by the offer of a job opportunity in the city. They are then trafficked and find themselves trapped in a life controlled by others.
The sex industry has never been bigger, an estimated $99 billion market value, bigger than the global cocaine market.
Economic hardship in rural villages such as Laos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has created a new surge in the trafficking of women and girls desperate to find jobs. This is particularly true as countries like Thailand open their borders to tourists again. This combination of people even more desperate for money combined with an influx of ‘sexual tourists’ is concerning.
By engaging the surf/ocean loving community, we hope to RAISE AWARENESS about this form of modern day slavery and together, help stamp it out.
If ever there was a time to help in some way – it is now.
Get involved
See below for ways to support NOA Surf Collective in the fight against sexual slavery:
Donate
A regular donation or one-off gift will help us continue our mission to help end sexual exploitation in South East Asia.
Collaborations
Work with us on a project to help us raise funds and awareness.
Purchase from the NOA Shop
Support the cause, raise funds and enjoy our products.