History
Current Projects
One in four Cambodian women suffers domestic violence at the hands of their husbands, including physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse.
CAMBOW is conducting a campaign to raise awareness of this tragic statistic and to help victims escape from the vicious circle of suffering and silence created by domestic violence. It also seeks to change the cultural belief that domestic violence is a "private family problem", which often results in reluctance from the authorities to interfere.
Over the years, CAMBOW has shown strong support towards improving the situation of women in Cambodia through the organisation of various activities and events within Cambodia. The following paragraphs will highlight the history of the committee's involvement in promoting women's rights.
On 8 March 2002, CAMBOW in cooperation with LICADHO conducted ceremonies in celebration of Women’s Day in Monkul district, Bantey Meanchey; Butom sakor district, Koh Kong; Svay Teap district, Svay Rieng; Kratie district, Kratie; and Tbang Khmum district, Kompong Cham. The purpose of this event was to raise awareness of government officials, NGO workers, teachers, students and the general population about trafficking and high risks this poses for women and children. This message was conveyed through three dramas on trafficking for: the adoption industry, sexual exploitation and forced labor.
On 6 August 2002, CAMBOW organized a conference to raise awareness and propose recommendations on the Domestic Violence Draft law. The conference was held at World Vision for CAMBOW members and other related institutions.
On 13 August 2002, CAMBOW submitted recommendations on the Human Trafficking Draft law to the Ministry of Justice.
On 14,15 August 2002, CAMBOW participated in a conference on the Human Trafficking Draft law arranged by the Ministry of Justice.
On 16-17 September 2002, CAMBOW cooperated with Cambodian Defender Project (CDP) to organise a round table discussion on the Human Trafficking Draft law at Cambodiana Hotel
On 8 October 2002, CAMBOW released a press statement calling for the adoption of the Domestic Violence law by National Assembly's members. On that day, key members of CAMBOW also participated at a conference on the Domestic Violence Draft law discussion arranged by NA at Intercontinental Hotel.
On 8,15 November 2002, CAMBOW organized many activities and lobbying efforts for the adoption of proposals and recommendations they believe to be important for the draft law. Among those activities were lobbying efforts in the form of public forums related to the draft law between members of the National Assembly and citizens in Battambang, Kampong Cham, Takeo, and Kandal provinces.
For 16 day Campaign 2002, CAMBOW organized a street march on Saturday November 30 to denounce violence against women, particularly rape and domestic violence. The march, numbering around 600 people, began outside the Hong Kong Center on Sothearos Blvd and ended at Wat Phnom.
On 3 December 2002, CAMBOW wrote a letter to Prime Minister Hun Sen to raise the issue of domestic violence in Cambodia, highlighting CAMBOW's recommendations and requesting his support.
On 16 Jan 2003, CAMBOW arranged a public hearing at Cambodiana Hotel by inviting members of the Parliament, members of the Senate, lawyers, local authorities, victims, NGOs and International Organizations to talk about recommendations on the Domestic Violence Draft law.
On 22 Jan 2003, key members of CAMBOW met the head of National Assembly, Prince Norodom Ranarithh, and his colleagues to talk about CAMBOW’s recommendations and lobby them to pass the Domestic Violence law.
On 25 Jan 2003, CAMBOW met H.E Sam Rainsy (Opposition Leader) and his party's members of the National Assembly at his H.Q. to explain society's need for a consistent Domestic Violence law and call for his support on CAMBOW's recommendations during debates at National Assembly.
On 8 March 2003, CAMBOW released a press statement to the public related to domestic violence and rape which are among the most serious of women rights violations in Cambodia.
On 26 May 2003, CAMBOW planned to gather about 200 victims of domestic violence to rally in front of National Assembly but it was refused by municipal governor and then changed to a press conference at Project Against Domestic Violence to express domestic violence recommendations and CAMBOW’s concern to the Media.
On 16 day Campaign 2003 (25 Nov-10 Dec), CAMBOW organized an event to counter violence against women and children that took place in Phnom Penh, Koh Kong, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap provinces. CAMBOW also presented a play on domestic violence focussed on internal issues within the family and social issues and demonstrating the actions of perpetrators.
On 8 March 2004, CAMBOW, in cooperation with authority at Pohnea Leu district of Kandal province, celebrated the International Women's Day at Odong. The title of the play was “Irresponsible Love, Violated Family”.
On 6 October 2004, CAMBOW met the new Minister of Women Affair, H.E Ung Kanthaphavy, to talk about cooperation on lobbying Domestic Violence law and arranging a 16 day campaign on this topic.
