In Cambodia it’s not unusual for impoverished women to find themselves in difficult situations. Often, it’s financial. Sometimes it’s a bad marriage. Sometimes it’s domestic violence. Often it is a combination. Worse yet, where do they go for help? The government offers nothing. Their small village has no resources for them. They are stuck.
Fortunately, our wonderful partner – the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) in Siem Reap – has the capacity to serve nearly 200 of these women each year. For 15 years now, WRC has been there with counseling, coaching, and training to help women and girls gain the skills and knowledge they need to change the quality of their lives for the better. But the demand for their services continues to grow.
Just last year, we were able to fund a special new facility for WRC, a drop-in center. At this safe haven, vulnerable women will find a welcoming, accepting place where they can step away from the culture of silence and seek professional help.
Here’s what my good friend, WRC Director, Pisey Khim had to say:
I cried with excitement when I received the funding to open a proper place for women and girls seeking more support. We call this our “Wellness Center”. SE Asia Foundation made my dream come true because my wish was to create a safe and welcoming space for women and girls to take a break when there is nowhere else to go and nobody to talk to. Now, I finally have the facility to accomplish my mission to better the quality their life, to empower them, and to support them as they gain the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to realize their full potential.”
Take a Quick Tour with Pisey
And, here’s what Mam Mob, a long-time WRC social worker has to say:
The reason I am a social worker, I want to see every woman have the courage to advocate for injustice from their partner or family. Especially I want to see them take care of themselves and their mental health. In addition, I want to see girls get full educational opportunities and dare to decide on their lives, because when they have knowledge, a good job, a decent income, they will be independent. I want to see myself as a counsellor who is full of knowledge and a good role model and professional. Here at our new Wellness Center, I can now do that.
I hope you get the message here.
What you see above is a BIG thank you to YOU — and the
generous donors that make our work possible.
It’s the voices of more than 200 women
arriving at WRC for help,
along with the 12 staff at WRC, all saying
Thank You
We’re really proud to partner with Pisey and the
wonderful team at Womens Resource Center — all
working together to improve life situations for
marginalized women from the nearby villages.
If you’re interested in knowing about the work that our
other Cambodian NGO partners are doing in service to
those most in need, you can click here.
At the SE Asia Foundation we do not simply “help” people
We Help People Help Themselves
That is our focus
That is our commitment
That is where our actions show up
Please help us keep doing that with a tax-deductible
donation. Just click the button below
