Sewing compassion in Cambodia's countryside

Reenacting domestic violence

A travel report by Stefan Habermeier

Rithy is angry. Angry about the daily life in poverty, angry about the low payment as a day laborer in the fields of the neighboring Thailand, and above all, he is angry because - no matter how he makes an effort - nothing can change his situation. One day when his wife asks him for money for new pens for the children, he goes ballistic. Rithy picks up a bottle of homemade liquor – in which he drowned his frustration for months - and strikes. His wife falls to the ground.

This situation, which a youth group in a small village near the Thai border performs in a play, occurs regularly across Cambodia. Whether physical violence or sexual abuse, violations against women and girls are manifold. Once a victim, there is hardly a way to get back to a normal life, especially if you believe this Cambodian saying: Women are like a piece of white cloth: once stained always stained.

About 40 percent of the country's female population are affected by violence against women. Look to Cambodia’s recent history for answers: The reign of terror of the Khmer Rouge not only destroyed infrastructure but also the entire economic, health and education system. Even 20 years after the signing of peace treaties, the majority of Cambodian women, especially in rural areas, still have no access to these vital resources. The subsequent lack of financial resources and a low self-esteem makes them vulnerable to violence, exploitation and abuse.

To learn more, this May I visited the Cambodian Women's Crisis Center (CWCC), an NGO which aims to reduce violence against women and a long-time partner of Lotus Outreach International. Abused women and girls get sustainable long-term protection in shelters, as well as psychological and legal counseling, and medical assistance. The overall goal is the successful reintegration of victims back into the community through vocational qualification, basic business skills and financial support. From 2005 to 2009, the organization has helped approximately 6,000 women and girls.

Cambodian women

I am delighted to report that the safe shelter and the reintegration of clients back into society are running very well. Thanks to financial support (by Lotus Outreach International, the German Georg Kraus Foundation and Terre des Hommes Netherlands) these measures have become an outstanding component in the vast landscape of aid and development projects in Cambodia.

To whom I ever talked, the affected people in Cambodia are eternally grateful for the work of the Cambodian Women´s Crisis Center, the international sponsors and the commitment of the various foundation ambassadors. This can be recognized at the smiles on their faces and above all on their eyes shining with happiness. A sign of true happiness - from deep in their hearts.