Provide women and girls education in Cambodia

What is it really like to be a Cambodian woman affected by violence and why should we eliminate violence against her?

As part of our #16days of activism for the elimination of violence against women in Cambodia, we're asking our community to address these two very important questions.

For many people in Cambodia, women and men should be equal. However, practicing equality is not so easy and Cambodian women still have many hurdles to jump. According to research from the UN and UNICEF:

• 25% of Cambodian women have experienced physical or sexual violence or both by an intimate partner
• 52.7% of Cambodian women experience physical violence before they turn 18
• 1 in 3 Cambodian men have reported perpetrating physical and/or sexual violence against their intimate partner
• 54.3% of men have reported using at least one act of emotional abuse against their intimate partner

So from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women until the International Day of Human Rights (25 November - 10 December), we're advocating for women's rights and for an end to violence against women in Cambodia.

Everyday we are doing something different. Our activities range from facilitating free workshops for Commune Chiefs, Village Chiefs and local businesses about domestic violence and alcohol abuse, to visiting high schools and universities, to parading through the streets on Siem Reap in orange.

We also asked photographers from all around Cambodia to submit an image that portrayed violence against women is never OK. We're displaying the finalists' photographs in the center of town and asking the general public to vote for the most impacting image.

The idea behind the competition and exhibition is further encourage a much-needed conversation about violence against women in Cambodia. We don't want women to be seen as victims – we want people to understand the reasons for violence and its subsequent impact on women, children and the community.

We believe that when both women and men, girls and boys, come together to support each other, Cambodia will break the cycle of violence. When gender stereotypes are dissolved and girls can finish schools and boys can help with the housework, Cambodia will break the cycle of violence. When parents are empowered with knowledge about health, financial literacy and non-violent practices of discipline, Cambodia will break the cycle of violence.

We're half way through our campaign and already we are so impressed by the response and support we have received. With the right information and tools, and the full participation of our community, we know in our hearts that we are making a brighter future for women and girls in Cambodia.

If you would like to follow our campaign’s progress, visit our Facebook page.

Please support us as we continue to empower and fight for the rights of women and girls in Cambodia.