Keeping our Safe Haven open for women of Siem Reap

The Wellness Center at the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for clients seeking to alleviate stress through counseling and emotional support. Our mission extends beyond individual counseling, encompassing community engagement through soft skills training focused on positive parenting and men’s coffee talk sessions, which serve as platforms for dialogue among local parents.

During the reporting period, our project team successfully delivered comprehensive counseling and referral services to 21 clients. This included:

- Legal Support Referrals: 5 cases referred for legal assistance.
- Vocational Training Referrals: 3 cases directed towards vocational training opportunities.
- Educational Support: 8 female students received bicycles to enhance their access to education.
- Family Assessments: Home visits and assessments were conducted with 9 families to better understand their unique needs and challenges.

In terms of case management, the team efficiently handled a total of 25 cases, with 21 new cases opened and 1 case closed during this reporting period. Furthermore, we facilitated the participation of 4 men in our Men’s Coffee Talk sessions, which addressed critical topics such as gender roles, stress management, positive behavioral changes, and effective family communication. These initiatives aim to empower individuals, strengthen family dynamics, and tackle pressing community issues.

Our project team also engaged with various partners during a networking meeting to promote our services, seek support, and discuss the implementation of our 2024 action plan. This meeting also laid the groundwork for our strategic direction in 2025, aligning with the Provincial Administration's CPC initiatives.

Additionally, the team participated in the Cambodian Spoon Festival, where we recognized outstanding contributions with certificates. The festival attracted 414 participants, including 169 females and 245 males, and served as a platform for collaboration and stakeholder engagement to further our project goals and enhance community impact.

A significant highlight of the reporting period was our co-celebration of the 114th Anniversary of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025. This year’s theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” was organized in partnership with the Provincial Administration of Siem Reap, the Provincial Committee on Counter Trafficking, the Department of Women’s Affairs, the Department of Education, Youth and Sports, Military Police, local schools, and various NGO partners in Siem Reap. The event, held at Samdech Ov High School, brought together 1,321 participants, including 954 women and girls, 10 members of the LGBTQ+ community, and one person with a disability. Attendees represented a diverse array of groups, including provincial and departmental teams, educators, local authorities, partner organizations, youth groups, parents, and students.

Ms. Khim Pisey, Executive Director of WRC, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowerment, stating, “Change begins with each of us,” and encouraging broader engagement to achieve true gender equality and rights for all. Mr. Kann Kall, Executive Director of Diakonia Cambodia, commended the organizers and emphasized the vital role of women in societal progress: “Without strong women, skilled mothers, and equal opportunities, men cannot thrive, and development remains hindered.” His remarks underscored the necessity of ongoing education and collaboration on gender issues.

The event featured a distinguished appearance by Her Excellency Mornni Rangsei, Deputy Governor of Siem Reap Province, who delivered the opening remarks. She praised WRC’s inclusive approach and highlighted the essential role of women in leadership, noting, “If more women held leadership positions, the world would be safer, greener, and more compassionate.” Her speech emphasized the importance of collective support from men and boys to foster gender equality and highlighted the positive impact of WRC’s model families.

The celebration included engaging activities such as:

- Awareness-Raising March: Led by youth advocates, promoting women’s rights and anti-trafficking efforts.
- Inspiring Family Stories: Three model families from Siem Reap shared their experiences, highlighting shared household responsibilities and the importance of men’s involvement in caregiving.
- Men’s Cooking Competition: Male participants, including husbands and youths, prepared traditional Khmer dishes with support from their female partners, challenging stereotypes and showcasing men’s roles in domestic duties.
- Youth-Led Initiatives Exhibition: This drew enthusiastic participation and engagement from the community.

Community member Sreymom, 38, expressed her enthusiasm for the men’s cooking competition, stating, “This activity is my favorite because society often assumes women should handle housework. Showcasing men cooking on International Women’s Day is a powerful way for young people to rethink traditional roles and reflect on equality at home.” Similarly, Reaksmey, 18, emphasized the broader significance of the event: “Celebrating International Women’s Day reinforces why gender equality matters and honors women’s contributions in our lives. We must keep supporting initiatives that empower women and strengthen families.”

This event underscored WRC’s commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable communities. Discussions highlighted the importance of women’s leadership across various spheres and advocated for men’s active participation in advancing gender justice. By celebrating shared responsibility, we aspire to amplify our collective efforts toward a more equitable future for all members of our community.