In Cambodia, gender equality remains a work in progress as deeply rooted social norms and a lack of awareness continue to hold women and girls back.
The Chbab Srey or Code of Conduct for Women, continues to shape their roles and identities, particularly in conservative households. Transmitted from generation to generation, this code of conduct outlines societal expectations for women. “Be respectful towards your husband. Serve him well and keep the flame of the relationship alive. Otherwise, it will consume you.” Though officially removed from the national curriculum, the Chhab Srey remains deeply rooted in the Cambodian mindset and traditional practices.
These norms contribute to domestic violence and limit the opportunities available to women, impacting also marginalized groups like LGBTQI+ people, indigenous women, and female sex workers.
Yet a significant portion of the population still lacks a full understanding of gender and gender-based violence. Raising awareness through participatory approaches and critical thinking is crucial. Without recognizing gender issues, solutions will remain out of reach.
Young people are the driving force for change, by breaking down traditional walls. The Breakthrough Movement was born in December 2020 from the aspirations of Beijing+25 to spark a new movement in gender activism in Cambodia, with support from UN Women. Led by 11 passionate young women, the movement promotes gender equality, particularly through online platforms, where they advocate for change, share stories, and amplify personal experiences. Now operating independently, Breakthrough manages its own campaigns, builds partnerships with youth groups and civil society organizations, and secures funding for media projects.
We recommend that the Government:
Foster a safe environment for young people including women to participate meaningfully in decision-making at all levels of government
Enforce laws on gender-based violence rigorously and ensure that policies and laws promote equality and inclusivity for women, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, sex workers, and other marginalized groups
Enhance knowledge of gender issues and prioritize gender equality in all work within government institutions, both national and subnational
Develop and implement strategies to address online harassment
For me, several issues regarding indigenous women are most concerning.
First, there is a significant gap in the legal recognition and protection of Indigenous rights in Cambodia. The lack of clear, enforceable legal rights leaves Indigenous communities vulnerable to exploitation and displacement. There is a need for stronger legal protections and policies on land ownership, protection against forced displacement, and recognition of traditional land-use practices.
Second, the loss of lands and the degradation of ecosystems due to deforestation, mining and other development projects disproportionately affect indigenous communities. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, leading to food insecurity and displacement, and threats to traditional livelihoods, ways of life and culture.
Indigenous peoples frequently experience discrimination and prejudice, and indigenous women often face compounded challenges due to their gender. They may experience discrimination within their own communities and in the broader society. Issues such as limited access to education and health care, gender-based violence, and lack of political representation are prevalent. Addressing the specific needs of Indigenous women requires targeted policies and programmes. This includes improving access to education, health care, and economic opportunities, as well as ensuring their participation in decision-making.
The article is also published on the UN Women Asia and the Pacific website as part of the Beijing+30 Youth Blog series: Starting with Awareness to Achieve Gender Equality in Cambodia.
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