Pangea Partner Update: Women Peacemakers in Cambodia is Making Great Progess

Women Peacemakers has hundreds of stories of its success in impacting individual lives and community stability through its educational workshops promoting women’s rights and empowerment.

One participant, Mr. Throng Sophorn, has learned to use more respectful language and actions in his own family, as well as assist his neighbors with resolving domestic conflicts. By involving both men and women in its Women’s Rights Protection Project, Women Peacemakers has successfully trained community members to generate more peaceful interactions in the home and the community.

Women Peacemakers works to oppose Cambodian society’s acceptance of gender-based and domestic violence through its non-violence and women’s rights workshops, empowering participants to pass their knowledge to the greater community. In its most recent progress report, Women Peacemakers shared that by March 2015, it had hosted 22 activities involving 1757 participants. The organization faced new challenges this year as it expanded to more Muslim communities (after previously focusing on Khmer communities).

In developing workshops and empowerment activities, Women Peacemakers has adjusted to the unique cultural values of each community, including fewer problems related to alcohol abuse in Muslim communities.

Despite working with several diverse communities, Women’s Peacemakers reported that the primary problems they address– women’s rights abuses, domestic violence, and migration– are consistent throughout most Cambodian communities. The organization continues to expand its efforts to reduce violence in Cambodian communities and promote safe, respectful interactions.

In a note of appreciation to Pangea, Women Peacemakers director Chea Muoykry said, “Your support enables vulnerable women to work for a better life and democratic leadership in Cambodia.”

July, 2015