By Sally Douglas | Project Leader
Hello, WRC Supporters!
We have an important new program to share with you that will help Cambodian women hold the purse strings – and thus the power – in their households and communities. It’s called Riel Change, and we’ve founded it this year to empower women financially. Riel are the currency of Cambodia, and as you know, money talks. We’ve just finished our inaugural sessions, and I’m hoping you can contribute today to help fund our next round.
It always amazes us the immediate change that education can have on a woman’s confidence: One particular woman in our program – let’s call her Devi – had always been very shy and timid, rarely looking people in the eye and always cowering over when speaking to others. In the workshop she used to sit with closed and tight body language, only speaking quietly if at all. There’s no telling what Devi has been through in her life to give her this countenance. After our program, Devi now stands tall and confidently when speaking. She is engaged, participating, smiling and laughing. Her newfound confidence is all from the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
We’ve got a long way to go to reach all the Devis of Cambodia, though. The United Nations reports that Cambodia has the lowest levels of gender equity in Asia, and Cambodian women have limited knowledge, confidence and skills about economic and financial issues. Financial literacy increases their decision making power to help them break the cycle of poverty and oppression. It gives women more power in household dynamics, too, so they don’t always have to subject to their husbands’ wishes – critical in a nation with prevalent domestic abuse.
The 'Riel Change' curriculum includes:
This week the women of our inaugural Riel Change class graduate, in time for International Day of Literacy next Monday. These women now possess the skills, knowledge and confidence to raise their incomes and start saving money for better futures for themselves and their children.
THANK YOU for contributing to Women’s Resource Center so that we can make Riel Change like this happen. If you’re able to contribute today, please do, and continue this vital program to change the lives of more women.
Many thanks for your kindness and support
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