Summary
Cambodian Women's Development Agency's Safe Shelter provides safe and caring accommodation for 20 young women and girls aged 8- 25. They have experienced gender-based violence, trafficking, rape or are at high risk of this in their home environment. We provide them with food, counselling and a safe place which allows them to rehabilitate so they can focus on their education and their future.
What is the issue, problem, or challenge?
Gender inequality is still rife in Cambodia. The country ranks 99 out of 145 on the Gender Inequality Index (GII) on the Human Development Report of 2011. Girls often do not finish their formal education, being forced to drop out or miss school days to care for siblings or work to provide income for the family. Domestic violence is culturally condoned and trafficking in people for labor and sexual exploitation has increased due to poverty and lack of employment opportunities and education.
How will this project solve this problem?
CWDA conducts education in communities about the problems of trafficking. It is essential that there is a place to refer victims and those at risk of trafficking and abuse. The Safe Shelter provides girls and women with a safe, happy and caring place to live. They receive food, access to formal education, vocational training, leisure activities, nursing care, counselling and support when they leave the shelter. Our aim to ensure that the girls can look towards a happy and successful future.
Potential Long Term Impact
We ensure that up to 20 girls per year go to school which means that they will be more likely to find employment and less vulnerable to exploitation. This enables them to break out of the cycle of poverty.
The girls have education about child rights and activities to increase their self-esteem, creating young women with ambition and confidence. We work with girls and families to ensure that they can be reintegrated safely and successfully into their communities or have the skills to cope alone
Project Message
I feel happy at CWDA Safe Shelter and I'm grateful that I have a chance to go to school, gain knowledge and join in with social activities and sport here.
- Srey Pich (not her real name), 17-year old resident, victim of child trafficking
Funding Information
Total Funding Received to Date: £3,795
Remaining Goal to be Funded: £3,734
Total Funding Goal: £7,529
Resources