Collective Action to Support Women's Rights 3rd Quarterly Report (Year 2)

The project is implemented by Gender and Development for Cambodia (GADC) with three co-implementing partners in six provinces, including Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Kampot, and Mondulkiri, covering a total of 33 communes over a period of two years and nine months. During the three-month period from April 1 to June 30, 2020, Community Capacity Development Teams (CCBTs) delivered training to Community Core Groups (CCGs) and youth core groups on "Gender Concept and Leadership for Gender Equality," with a total of 75 trainees, including 70 women. Seven mentoring and coaching sessions were provided to the targeted groups, as well as the CCBTs, with a total of 87 participants, including 72 women. Eight reflection meetings were also organized, participated by 145 attendees, including 122 female participants. Youth groups from CCBTs facilitated 17 meetings, participated by 305 attendees, including 221 female participants, to raise awareness on gender concepts, gender stereotypes, and social norms. CCGs facilitated 49 meetings, participated by 1,153 people, including 891 women, to identify and address current issues within the communities, improve knowledge on sex and gender, problem-solving, and communication. A Gender Café was organized for CCBTs with 15 female participants to learn about the situation of women affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project also conducted four virtual trainings on "Man-dialogue" with 12 male participants to encourage them to learn and discuss masculinity, power, and gender concepts. CASWR has been working with a group of artists and filmmakers to produce a song called "Chomnorng or Invisible Knot" to raise awareness on domestic violence and empower women to stand up for themselves and their invisible pain. The project has also supported CCBTs and CCGs to attend 26 different monthly commune meetings, participated by 559 attendees, including 191 female participants. CASWR staff joined a Regional Webinar series on "ASEAN Guidelines on the Collection and Analysis of Data on Violence against Women and Girls." Despite some project activities being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has continued to implement activities with precautionary measures, including online training, to ensure operational continuity. The project's objective is to empower women and youth to positively transform societal and political institutions to further gender equality and end gender-based violence. The project has made progress in building the capacity and confidence of Core Groups, enabling them to organize meetings and share knowledge with the communities. The project has also created opportunities for participants to share their experiences and discuss domestic violence, gender concepts, and social norms. The project's second objective is to enrich the enabling environment for women and youth participation and leadership in political processes. CASWR has supported CCBTs and CCGs to attend commune meetings and participate in advocacy activities. The project has also conducted advocacy activities, including a Regional Webinar series, to promote the rights of women and girls. The project's activities have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with some activities being delayed or modified to ensure operational continuity. However, the project has continued to implement activities, including online training, to build the capacity and confidence of Core Groups and promote the rights of women and girls.