Iana Matei

Iana Matei, is a Romanian activist who founded Reaching Out Romania, a safe house for victims of forced Prostitution Whether speaking to the US State Department, the European Commission on Trafficking, The United Nations Human Development Global Forum, or to one abused, frightened girl, Iana brings the same convincing message: “Trafficking is not OK and it’s up to us to do something about it.”

Designated by Reader’s Digest European Of The Year 2010, awarded the Abolitionist Award by the House of Lords in 2007 and declared a hero by the US State Department in 2006, these are not the rewards Iana prizes. The one she does prize is when a girl reclaims her personhood and her self-respect. Iana continues her work to this day where she lives in Romania with her son and two adopted daughters.