Our continued partnership with the Cambodia Community Dream Organisation (CCDO) has seen further benefits to the lives of women and girls across the second quarter of project activities in 2024. Now under the auspices of Soroptimist International Foundation, this initiative carries forward the exceptional work of our Opening Doors to a Bright Future Appeal, which instrumentally saw women and girls empowered through education across three rural communities in Cambodia, during 2022 and 2023.
The current phase of our work with the CCDO has seen project activities extended across six vulnerable communities, Balang, Tropeang Thom, Run Ta Ek, Rom Chek and Khnar Sanday, and Peak Seng, in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Over the following 18 months and beyond, the project will directly engage a further 2000 disadvantaged and marginalised women and girls, training them on vital topic such as gender equality, personal and professional development, healthcare, and business skills. Furthermore, access to public services will be improved through advocacy and public campaigning to raise awareness, whilst also fostering a culture of learning and collaboration through community workshops and seminars.
Project Update, April to June 2024
Throughout this quarter, the project team collaborated with local authorities and village health support groups to conduct extensive training and awareness programs in the target communities. They delivered 37 health sessions, 25 gender equity trainings, 12 self-empowerment sessions, 3 women’s awareness events, 2 community forums, and 3 public seminars, engaging a total of 2,856 women and girls, along with 61 Commune Council for Women and Children (CCWC) members, 59 village chiefs, 32 health centre staff, and 75 village health support group (VHSG) members.
The team also collaborated with commune chiefs and CCWC to use a tuk-tuk for broadcasting public service announcements, benefiting 3,476 residents. The project reached out to 100 women facing issues with ID Poor cards, residential documents, and other challenges, ensuring they received the necessary services.
Two roundtable discussions were also held with commune chiefs, CCWC members, and 43 village chiefs and members. These discussions addressed the challenges faced by women and girls in the communities, with a commitment to collaborate on providing solutions and access to services. We observed that women and girls are increasingly aware of the social and health services available, with local authorities actively intervening to resolve their issues.
Importantly, the project established women’s support groups in each community, led by the project designated SMART women – individual women who have thrived exceptionally under the project activities. These groups provide crucial assistance to women facing domestic violence, health concerns, and family planning issues.
Project Achievements
Training Sessions
Carrying on from the first quarter of 2024, the team conducted further training sessions to equip the communities with essential knowledge and skills. In partnership with the CCWC and health centre staff, 37 health training sessions were held, covering topics such as nutrition, hygiene, family planning, birth spacing, and reproductive health. This training reached 1,842 women and girls, 30 village health support groups (VHSGs), 30 CCWCs, and 30 health centres, and also promoted breastfeeding for improved infant health and cost savings.
To advance gender equality, the team facilitated 25 training sessions on gender equity, addressing issues such as domestic violence, the rights and roles within the family, and the recognition of actions that constitute domestic and gender-based violence. These sessions involved 458 women, 25 VHSGs, 25 village chiefs (VCs), and 25 CCWCs, empowering participants to understand and advocate for their rights within their communities.
Further, 12 self-empowerment training sessions were held, focusing on developing communication, decision-making, and critical thinking skills. These sessions aimed to build self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to navigate community services and set personal goals. A total of 252 women and girls, along with 12 VHSGs, attended these sessions, which also provided mentorship to help participants overcome personal challenges and achieve their goals.
Finally, the project included coaching sessions for 65 women and girls to build their confidence in achieving personal and family goals, managing health issues, addressing domestic violence, and accessing public services. Three women’s awareness events were held, focusing on rights, gender equality, and available community services. These efforts have led to significant positive changes, with women and girls increasingly sharing their newfound knowledge and advocating for gender equity and access to services within their families and communities.
Campaigns and Social Assistance
The project undertook a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and service access. Two media campaigns were conducted in Peak Sneng and Khnar Sandai, benefiting 3,476 people. These campaigns used a tuk-tuk with recorded messages to promote women’s leadership, inform about public services, and encourage community participation.
In addition, three public seminars addressed topics like family planning, decision-making, and community development, with 89 women and local leaders attending. The project also facilitated two community forums to discuss service delivery challenges, particularly around legal documents and health services. These forums, attended by local authorities and 83 residents, highlighted issues such as birth certificates and health service quality, leading to commitments for improvement.
The team also conducted home visits to 100 women in 16 villages, assisting with issues like obtaining birth certificates and ID Poor cards. These visits included advice on local business ventures to support families.
Finally, two roundtable discussions were held with commune chiefs and local authorities. These discussions focused on improving public services, with a commitment from local leaders to work with the project team to address the needs of women and girls. Additionally, plans were made to offer vocational training for disadvantaged women, including courses in cooking, baking, and hairdressing, in collaboration with the Siem Reap Regional Vocational Training Centre.
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, the project’s activities over thesecond quarter of 2024 have greatly boosted community engagement and access to essential services. Through training sessions, media campaigns, public seminars, and hands-on assistance, our partnership with the CCDO has empowered women and girls, tackled important issues, and built strong partnerships with local authorities. These efforts have increased awareness about health, gender equality, and public services, setting the stage for ongoing community development. The commitment from everyone involved is paving the way for a brighter future for the community.
Further information:
Soroptimist International Foundation is a Charitable Trust overseen by SI (Soroptimist International) Limited. Soroptimist International Foundation is currently managing legacies, Educating Women from War Torn Countries fund and the final projects of ‘Opening Doors to a Bright Future’ Appeal (now closed to donations).
For further information or to make enquires regarding legacies, please email hq@soroptimistinternational.org
Donations to Soroptimist International Foundation are gratefully received.
An average of 34 UK pounds will provide a woman or girl with transformative training, funded by Soroptimist International Foundation.