IRDEP-TH – The women’s rights, their roles in social development and challenges were addressed to rural poor women and youth in the celebration of the 99th International Women’s Day held on March 3 at Chrak Khlong village in Kampong Speu’s Thpong district.
 |
 |
The celebration, which was organized by the district authority and supported by LWF Cambodia, attracted 500 people in the district to attend.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Tuon Song, Thpong District Governor, highlighted the continued progress in building women’s capacity and the increased number of women in leadership positions in government institutions.
He also took the opportunity to appeal to government authorities at all levels, private sectors and NGOs to continue to cooperate with the Kampong Speu Provincial Department of Women’s Affairs in advancing the potential of women and youth, and eliminating violence on women and children.
Ms. Pok Panhavichetr, Program Manager for LWF Cambodia, stressed that increasing the women self-confidence was important. “When they are self-confident, they will be courageous enough to take part in the decision making,” she said.
LWF Cambodia focuses on building capacity for women and youth, one of the ten priorities set out in its Country Strategy 2009-2014.
Ms. Chon Yoeun, Deputy Director for Provincial Department of Women’s Affairs, said women were key actors in the development of household and country economies. But, challenges remain as most women are illiterate or low-educated. They are vulnerable to harassment, discrimination, exploitation and sexual abuse or violence.She also urged women to be brave to express their ideas, opinions and needs in public meetings so that their issues can be heard and addressed.The meeting also provided an opportunity for female participants to share their experience in leadership and household economic development. Fifty questions about women’s rights and roles were asked to different women groups—farmers, teachers, youth, and schoolgirls—in the answering contest.
For more information, contact:
LEAK Ratna, Communications Coordinator, LWF Cambodia
E-mail: ratna@lwfcam.org.kh
Tel: 012 819 121