MEDIA ADVISORY Women’s Dialogue on
“Feminism in Cambodia and the Concept of Feminism in Cambodia”
WHAT: On behalf of the co-organizers, we would like to invite you and/or a representative to the women dialogue titled “Feminism in Cambodia and the Concept of Feminism in Cambodia”.
“Women’s dialogue is an opportunity for people from different sectors and civil society organizations working on women’s rights and human rights to join together and discourse more feminism or feminism concepts, which are frequently interpreted and perceived differently,” said Seng Reasey, executive director of SIlAKA. “Both the term and concept of feminism have been misinterpreted at times due to varying interpretations. This gathering isn’t about picking sides; it’s about fostering an atmosphere of social discourse created on the principle that women’s rights are human rights,” She further explained, saying, “The dialogue would be based on ethical debates on ideas that do not attack any individual or institution and will address inequality and social injustice.”
Violence against women and children remains a global problem that violates women’s human rights. In Cambodia, violence, direct and online harrassments, and discrimination against women and girls persist. One in five women between the ages of 15 and 49 reported experiencing violence at least once since age 15. A recent report by the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO) indicated that at least 26 women have been murdered by their exes between January 2020 to June 2022. All victims of physical, emotional, and sexual violence, including women and girls, have not yet sought medical treatment. Power imbalances and inequality in the exercise of rights to the management, use, and management of resources between women and men continue to be one of the most significant factors that continue to harm women and girls. These problems remain entrenched rooted by patriarchy, political leadership, and the influence of economic models at the national, regional, and international levels. At the local level, these problems frequently occur unreported or with impunity, and are viewed as stigma or shameful for women and girls who are victims.
In the social and political context of Cambodia, feminism does not appear to be acknowledged as positive and is interpreted differently. Feminism is frequently viewed as a philosophy that drives an evolution away from masculinity and toward feminism. This view continues to influence and encourage discussion of challenges that could negatively impact women or their group’s status as feminist activists.
“Everyone, especially women, must have equal rights and dignity through equitable treatment, regardless of their status, age, skin color, ethnic minority, indigenous community, identity, or occupation that they have chosen. Women have a fundamental right to choose to exercise their rights, which include but are not limited to using their body to provide service employment.” according to Pech Polet, managing director of Women’s Network for Unity.
“Even though we live in the twenty-first century, the individuals around us continue to exert pressure on women and girls based on our behavior, the way we dress, and the shape and size of our bodies. The comment we received was made by someone who knows us and someone who is unrelated to them as well. Women and girls continue to be subjected to criticism, deprivation of liberty, and pressure, both directly and indirectly, under the guise of protection and special concern when violence and harassment against other women and girls occurs,” Leav Lina serves as the program coordinator for Social Action for Community and Development.
Thus, six local associations and organizations, including: Social Action for Communities and Program Development (SACD), Focus on the Global South (FOCUS), Worker’s Information Center (WIC), Women’s Unity Network (WNU), The Messenger Band Cambodia (MB), and SILAKA, co-organizing this women’s dialogue for the following two purposes: 1. To provide a space for women, young women activists, feminist activists, and feminist activists to share their perspectives and experiences on the social, economic, and political situation of women in Cambodia and 2. Explore together the feminist or feminist ideology, as well as the situation of feminist or feminist activists in Cambodia.
WHEN: Friday 31 March, 2023 From 14:00-17:00
WHERE: The event will take place at Poulowai Hotel
Address: 71-73, Phsar Thom Thmey, Phnom Penh. It is behind Watkoh or visit the hotel website:https://poulowaihotel.com/
WHO: Approximately 70 people are expected to attend the dialogue. They include working-class women (garment workers, sex workers, and entertainment workers), labor unions, women peasants, small-scale farmers and food producers, youth, individual feminists, feminist organizations, and women’s rights organizations.
Notes to Editors: For further information or to confirm your participation, please contact the co-organizers:
1. Mrs. Pech Polet, managing director of Women’s Network for Unity (WNU) Mobile: 012 576 346
2. Seng Reasey, executive director of SILAKA Mobile: 017 933 336
3. Mrs. Leav Lina, programme coordinator of Social Action for Community and Development (SACD) Mobile: 099 768 149