WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER
In 2024, your support made a positive impact in the lives of many Cambodians, especially women and girls.
MRS.MAOSOPHANY BOARDOFDIRECTOR
oftheBoardofDirectorsat Resource Center (WRC), I onored to reflect on the rney I've shared with this nization. Since my arrival in 014,Ihavehadtheprivilege social work and education and it was during this time emarkableMs.KHIMPisey.
Sheisapowerfuladvocateforwomen,usinghervoicetorepresentthosewhoare often silent by many barriers such as a lack of education, limited access to information,andtheoverwhelmingstrugglesofdailylife.Hertirelessdedicationto empoweringthesewomenhasbeennothingshortofinspiring.
Under her leadership, WRC has achieved remarkable milestones year after year, bringingtangible,positivechangestomanylivesofvulnerableindividualsandtheir families. The impact of WRC's work can be seen in the mental, emotional, and economicgrowthofitsbeneficiaries,whofindnewhopeandopportunitiesthrough itsvariousprojects.
Iamveryproudtobepartofthisincredibleteam,andIbelievewholeheartedlyin WRC'smissiontocreatelasting,positiveimpactswithinourcommunities Together, we are shaping a future where women and their families thrive, and where empowerment,education,andequalityarewithinreachforall.
I really inspired by what Ms. Pisey and the WRC team do. Please continue this incredibleworkinoursociety.
Thankyouverymuch,
MAOSophany
MESSAGEFROMOUR BOARDOFDIRECTORS
honored to serve as a board ber for the Women's Resource er (WRC). It's truly inspiring to be of an organization dedicated to ng a more inclusive Cambodia, e women and girls have the rtunity to lead and contribute at elsofsociety.WRCworkstirelessly sure that women and girls have opportunities.
Let'sstartbyempoweringwomenandgirlswithinourfamilies,workplaces,and communities. Together, let's make our dream of gender equality a reality. By achievingSDG5,wecancreateamoreequitablesocietyandboostournation's economy.Wecanaccelerateprogresstowardgenderequality.
I urge all stakeholders to prioritize this goal and work towards its realization by 2030.Cambodiacan,andwill,achievegenderequality!
I admire the incredible work of the WRC team and am always inspired by their dedication.
Thankyouforallthatyoudo.
Mr.HENGDara Vice-Chair,BoardofDirector
MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADER
DearFriends,Donors,andPartners;
Inspiring is the real empowerment.
I am so grateful to work with this amazing organization that inspires Cambodian women and girls to make decisionsabouttheirownlives
Through the work of inspiring others, I also learned the process of self empowerment. Being empowered is a crucial tool for success in life, and empowering others is the most sustainable way to contribute to the community, as it guarantees long term success. WRC creates a lot of space for individualsandgroupstogrowtogether, building a supportive system and resilience.
Massive thanks to my family, friends, WRC team, board of directors, donors, and partners for supporting me to be abletotakethisopportunityasafemale leader.
My long term vision is seeing this society eliminate all forms of gender basedviolence, discrimination, and create more inclusive, equality, and promote wellbeing.Togethercanmakeadifferenceinourcommunity.
YoursSincerely,
KHIMPisey ExecutiveDirector
ABOUTWOMEN'S RESOURCECENTER
The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is a locally based Cambodian organization which has expertise in empowering Cambodian women and girls toward self-directed development. Since 2010, we have been playing a uniqueroleinhelpingwomenandgirlsinruralcommunitiesofCambodiato gaintheskillsandconfidencetheyneedtochangetheirqualityoflifeforthe better.Welaunchedadrop-incenterwherethelocalwomen/girlscansafely ask questions regarding any aspect of their own life and their child’s life At the same time, we provided referral services (to direct women/girls to the right service providers) and educated the communities about women’s health,women’srightsandgender,positiveparenting,andfinancialliteracy.
This Strategic Plan highlights how we will reshape our strategies to educate and inspire women/girls to make well-informed decisions about their lives, strengthen the livelihood and economic status of women/girls, and strengthen organizational capacity to ensure responsive and effective programs.
OURPURPOSE:
IDENTITY
Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is a local Cambodian NGO which has expertise in empowering Cambodian women and girls towardself-directeddevelopment.
VISION
WRC envisions Cambodian women and girls having the capacity to achieve social wellbeingandgenderequity.
MISSION
WRCexiststoworkwithandinspireCambodian women and girls to make well-informed decisionsabouttheirlives.
VALUES
Care and Respect: WRC believes that all human beings should be treatedfairlyregardlessoftheirbackground,education,orgender.
EthicsandAccountability:webelieveinholdingourselvesaccountable toallstakeholders.
Partnership and Collaboration: we partner with organizations and authorities.Wecollaboratewithwomentoencouragetheirparticipation inWRC’sserviceprovision
Learningandsharing: we believe that we can always learn from each other. We are willing to receive and give constructive feedback internallyandwithourstakeholders.
WHATWEDO
THEME1:PROMOTEWOMEN'S RIGHTSANDGENDERJUSTICE
Emotional
Support, Counseling andReferrals
Women'sRights andGender Workshops:Safer CityforGirlsproject
THEME2:POSITIVEPARENTING ANDFAMILIYEMPOWERMENT
PositiveParenting workshopand Men'sCoffeeTalks
HouseofFamilies Project
THEME3:STRENGTHENLIVELIHOOD ANDECONOMICSTATUSOF WOMEN/GIRLS
FinancialLiteracyand BusinessEntrepreneur
HomeGardening Project
THEME4:ADVOCACYAND NETWORKING
16DaysCampaignto endviolence, InternationalWomen's Day,InternationalDay oftheGirls
PartnershipandNetworking
WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER | PAGE 8
PROGRESS HIGHLIGHTS
WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER | PAGE 9
WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER | PAGE 10
SUMMARYRESULTS
127clients received counseling support.85% ofclientswere satisfiedwiththe counselling services.
Thecounsellingandreferralservicesare designed with the main goal of empowering women by increasing women/girls’ access to services and information. WRC is a primary prevention partner to support victims of gender-based violence We run a dropin center to offer a safe space for women/girls to access face-to-face counselling and emotional support. We provide women/girls with rights-based information and options available to meet their needs, and if the woman/girl voluntarily chooses to take a certain action,ourstaffwillfacilitateareferral
PRIORITY CLIENTS
16of127caseswereseveregenderbased-violencecasesthat requiredclosemonitoringandsupport
PRIORITY CLIENTS
20clientsreceivedreferralstoadditionalserviceassistance andsupport.12clientswerereferredtolegalaid,4clientswere assistedwithhealthservices,4casesreceivedvocational trainingskills,and1casewasreferredtoajobplacement.
PRIORITY CLIENTS
70clientsreceivedbicyclesand33students(20girlsand13 boys)receivedschoolsuppliesforhighereducation.
SAFERCITY FORGIRLS
WRCimplementstheSaferCitiesforGirlsprojectwith10schoolsanduniversitiesin SiemReaptown,thataimstocreatesafe,inclusivecitiesforgirlsthroughaplethoraof activitiesdesignedtoraiseawarenessamongyoungboysandgirlsaswellasthe generalpopulationonhowtocreateasaferenvironmentforgirls;aswellasto incorporateadolescentgirls’voicesintotheplanningandfurtherdevelopment.Inmid 2024,wealsodesignedin-depthknowledgeandinformationnecessaryforyouths, communitymembers,familiesandhealthcareserviceproviderstoenableyouthto havecomprehensiveunderstandingoftheirsexualandreproductiverights.
1,629 peopleparticipatedandhad themostbenefitsfromthe projectactivities.
50%
of1,629peopleincluding youthsreportedbetter knowinghowtoprotect themselvesandincreased confidencewhenwalkingin thepublicspace.
85%
of100YouthAmbassadors(59girls,30boysand 11non-binaryorothergenders)fullyparticipated andtookleadtheactivitiesthatcanimprovethe safetyinthecity.
58
parentsequipped,through parentingtalks,withknowledge onhowtoprotecttheirchildren.
57
relevantstakeholders,suchasaslocal authoritiesandgovernmentinstitutes,took initiativetodiscussrecommendationson youths’safetythroughinterfacemeetings betweenthemandyouthgroupsafter safetywalksactivities.
WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER | PAGE 13
POSITIVEPARENTINGAND FAMILYEMPOWERMENT
This project aims to prevent and reduce gender-based violence (GBV) and build safe gender equity and nonviolent involvement in the family We engage men in our activities and recognizethemascrucialsupportersof women 'sequalityandparticipation.
75%
of37parentswhoattended positiveparenting workshopsincreasedtheir knowledgeofparenting roles,communicationskills, andprotectingthechildren.
50%
of37parentsappliedknowledgelearnedwithintheir households,suchascommunication,spendingtimewiththeir familiesandpracticingstressmanagementtechniques.
21MEN
wereactivelyinvolvedinMen'sCoffee Talkactivitiestodiscusstopicssuchas angermanagement,communication withinthefamily,genderroles,and masculinity.
55% 45% of parents improved their relationship withtheirchildrenandfelthappier
ofparentsreportedreduceddomestic violenceincidentsrelatedtogender rolesandusedpositivediscipline towardtheirchildrenthatledto increasedconfidenceinexpressing theiropinionswithintheirfamilies, communities,andinthepublic.
HOUSEOFFAMILIES PROJECT
TheHouseofFamiliesprojectaimstosupportfamiliesregaintheirself-confidence, develop social relationships, learn more about their rights and gain access to networks of services to help them. The project also aims to demonstrate the importance of child development in a safe and secure environment, with parent andchildren WRCworksinSiemReap,wheremostofthebeneficiariesinpoverty, isolated families with limited access to knowledge about their rights, information oreducation,andwherephysicalorpsychologicalviolenceexists.
814
participantsattendedawareness workshopswhichinclude:Positive parenting,alcoholanddrug management,trafficlaw,self-care, andchildprotectionand development,withatotalof8 workshopsessions.
1,615
peopleregisteredtoparticipate in70indooractivities These numbersareincluding681 females,144males,356girls,and 434boys.
95%
peoplefromtargetedfamilies expressedsatisfactionwiththe activitiesasobservedbyasemiannualprojectevaluationto enhanceouractivitiesandservice provision.
150
peopleincludingchildrenregistered tousethelibrary.Thisshowsa significantincreasefromthe previousyear.
WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER | PAGE 17
FINANCIALLITERACY ANDBUSINESS ENTREPRENURSHIP
womenattendedfinancialliteracy workshops, increasingtheir knowledgefromanaverageof20% to83%whencomparingpreand post-testresults.50participants appliedtheknowledgethathelpsto managetheirhouseholdfinances moreeffectively
womenenhancednetworking, increasedbusinesspartnerships andnetworkconnections,noted improvementsintheirleadership skillsandincreasedconfidencein decision-making.
68%
RevenueGrowth: ofthe38businessownersexperiencedan increaseintheirbusinessincomeafter participatingintheprogram.
WRC’s economic empowerment program provides women with money management skills to enable financial empowerment and security for themselves,theirfamiliesandtheirbusiness.Itcoversexpensepriorities,goal setting, tracking expenses, savings, and planning for emergencies and financialrisks.Bydevelopingconfidenceandskillsineconomicandfinancial issues, the financial literacy program empowers Cambodian women in their decision-making power and enables them to improve household dynamics and,incertaincases,supporttheircommunity.
ADVOCACY EVENTSAND CAMPAIGN
WRC TAKES AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE WORLDWIDE WOMEN’S MOVEMENT BY CONDUCTING LOCAL ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS OUR ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS ARE ISSUE ORIENTED AND NON-CONFRONTATIONAL. WE UNDERTAKE ADVOCACY IN A CONSTRUCTIVE WAY, INVOLVING DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS AND RESPECTING WOMEN, POLICY MAKERS.
SignificantEvents of2024
JANUARYandNOVEMBER2024
girlsreceivedbicycles throughourcommunity outreachprogramsupported by88bikes.Thisaimstokeep thegirlsinschoolandhelp themattainequal opportunitiesineducation
12NOVEMBER2024
WeorganizedtheInternational DayofGirlsunderthetheme "EmpoweringGirlsfor SustainableDevelopment"The eventwascollaboratedwith andsupportedbytheMinistry ofWomen'sAffairs,theSiem ReapProvincialAdministration, andfundedpartnersthat engaged peopleand thousandswalkedin
06MARCH2024
469 Weengaged people (285women)tojointhe movementandcelebrate InternationalWomen'sDayby engagingpartner organizations,funded partners,localauthorities, governmentagency,teachers, students,andbusiness women.
27NOVEMBER2024
peopleregisteredtojoinin the16dayscampaigntoEnd ViolenceAgainstWomenand Girls,reached142K,and12.8K sharedonsocialmedia.Thisisa campaigntoeliminateallforms ofGenderBasedViolence.We collaboratedwithgovernment departmentsinSiemReap,NGO partners,schools,and universities.
SignificantEvents of2024
01APRIL2024
WellnessCenter
WRC’sWellnessCenteropenedinApril 2024,aconceptwiththepurposeof:
1. Raisingawarenessaboutmental healthfortheSiemReapcommunity, especiallywomenandgirls.
Providingasafespaceforwomento sharetheirconcernsorproblemsvia emotionalandcounselingsupport.
2 Promotewomen’srightsandgender equityamongtargetedbeneficiaries
3. AidWomen’sResourceCenter’s socialprograms(counseling, financialempowerment,education ongenderandagainstdomestic violence. 4.
CHALLENGESAND LESSONSLEARNED
WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER | PAGE 23
CHALLENGES LESSONS LEARNED
1.EngagementofMen:Although therewasinvolvementofmeninthe WRCinitiatives(e.g.,men’scoffee talks),theoverallparticipationrates werelowcomparedtowomen. Engagingmoremenindiscussions aroundgenderrolesandparenting couldbechallengingbutisessential forsystemicchange
2.CulturalResistance:Mostprograms aimtochallengetraditionalnorms, especiallyconcerninggenderroles andparentingpractices.Resistance fromcommunitymemberswho upholdthesenormscouldhinderthe projects’effectiveness
3.DiversityNeeds:Thediversityofthe targetaudience(e.g.,marginalized groups,differentparentingstyles) canmakeitchallengingtotailor programseffectivelyandaddress specificneedscomprehensively.
4.Manylow-incomefamiliesdo notpossessofficiallettersof authorizationfromrelevant authorities.
5.Menoftenhesitatetoshare: sensitiveaspectsoftheir experienceswithfemalefacilitators.
1.CommunityEngagementisKey: Thepositivefeedbackandincreased confidenceamongparticipantsin projectshighlighttheimportanceof communityengagement.
2.HolisticApproachesWork: Addressingvariousaspectsof empowerment—suchasfinancial literacy,parentingskills,andgender roles inaholisticmannercanleadto morecomprehensivebenefitsfor individualsandtheirfamilies.
3.FeedbackMechanismsare Important:Theemphasisonpreandpost-teststogaugeknowledge improvementdemonstratesthevalue offeedbackinassessingprogram effectivenessandmakingnecessary adjustments.
4.Fosterstrongcollaboration:with communityleaders,lawenforcement, andNGOpartnerstofacilitateaccess toessentialdocumentsandtake timelyactionwithinlocalcommunes
5.BuildingConfidenceand Leadership:Empoweringparticipants totakeonleadershipcreatesaripple effectinthecommunityandwork closelywiththerelevantstakeholders.
“Iwanteveryoneto knowthatdisabilityis notalimitation,buta setofdifferent abilities”
ImpactStories of2024
Ms. Phally Norm, a 39-year-old woman from Siem Reap, faced numerous challenges after a trafficaccidentin2016leftherwith aphysicaldisability.Livingwithher two young nephews in a small house, she struggled with societal stigmaanddiscrimination,despite her strong desire to contribute to hercommunitybyteaching
Her life took a positive turn when she joined the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), which provides support and empowerment programs for women and girls, including women and girls with with disabilities. Through WRC's House of Family project, Phally participated in various training sessions on positive parenting, gender equality, and self-advocacy. Equipped with new skills and confidence,shesuccessfullylaunchedahome-basedbusinessteachingKhmer classesandraisingchickens Phally'sjourneyinspiredhertoadvocateforbetter accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, showcasing that her disabilitydoesnotdefineherabilities.
WRC's programs have proven essential in helping women like Phally overcome barriersandimprovetheirqualityoflife Thecenterhasofferedherasafespace to access resources, education, and support services. Moving forward, WRC aims to expand its initiatives to further empower women and girls with disabilities through mentorship and employment partnerships, fostering a sustainable environment for self-reliance and community contribution. Phally's story exemplifies the transformative impact of WRC’s efforts, proving that with therightsupport,anyonecanachievetheirdreams.
ImpactStories of2024
Chenra said “When I was young, I was so poor at school, and I didn't have enough resources to study. Once, when I went into a small library at a school, it inspiredmetoreadandstudymoreonmyown.Idreamtofworkinginalibrary. Reading books, relieving stress, learning from books, and building relationships withfriendswhoalsolovereading.”
Chenra is a single daughter from a rural area that is more than 65km away fromSiemReapcity.AfterhermotherlefthertoworkinThailandat4yearsold, herauntraisedherandother4children-withmanystruggles
Chenraalmostquitschoolbecauseofherlowscoresandlittlemotivationfrom the family. Again, when she was in grade 12, during Covid-19 the school was closedandshehadnodigitalequipmenttostudyfromadistance.
However, Chenra persevered. She fought many circumstances until she received a scholarship to study in town Now she is in the last year of her bachelor’sdegreeofLawandSocialSciences.
Herdreamistosupportgirlsandchildreninincreasingtheirknowledgethrough reading books, and she wants to have a safe space for them to explore their ownpotential WhenshestartedwithWRCasanintern,thelibrarywasthebest partofherworkforher.
ChenrabecameastaffmemberoftheHouseofFamilyprojectinJuly2024.
ImpactStories of2024
Mr.ChrekChrim,a44-year-oldfarmerfromPreythomvillage,SangkatSraNgaein Siem Reap Town, has seen a remarkable transformation in his life and family dynamics Hiswifeworksasacleanerataprivateschool,andtogethertheyhave fourchildren(onedaughter)whoareattendingsecondaryandprimaryschools. Inthepast,Chrimhadaquicktemperandwouldoftenresorttoangerandslang when upset, sometimes even damaging household items. He believed that punishment and harsh words were effective ways to discipline his children, a methodpasseddownfrompreviousgenerations,wherethemanwasseenasthe family'sauthorityfigure.
Chrim was introduced to Men's Coffee Talks, that engaging men from the community in discussions about gender awareness and positive parenting. Through these sessions, he learned about the negative impacts of his previous behavior and shared his experiences with others, reflecting on and learning ways toimprove.
Through the program, he learned to manage his anger through activities like organizing household chores, farming, and maintaining materials instead of resorting to violence. Chrim now discusses issues with his children, corrects and motivatesthem,andsetsuprolesandresponsibilities Healsocollaborateswithhis wifetofindsolutionstochallenges,fosteringahappyandsupportiveenvironment.
As a result, Chrim has gained valuable knowledge, significantly improved his attitude, now using polite words within his family and stopped using domestic violence His family has become closer, and his children now respect and follow their parents' guidance. Chrim is committed to working hard to support his children's education, aiming for them to graduate from university, all while maintainingapositivechangeinhisbehaviorandnurturingalovingfamily.
Chrimsharedwithveryproudwords“ThroughtheMen'sCoffeeTalk,Ihavegained much knowledge and have changed significantly. I urge the WRC to continue supportingtheseawarenessprogramsformentoeliminatedomesticviolence"
ImpactStories of2024
Mrs. Sarath Dary is a 35-year-old woman living in Siem Reap with her husband and two sons Since 2022, she had a dream to have home cooking business for tourists, an endeavor that reflects her passion for culinary arts and hospitality. She joined many different activities at Women’sResourceCentre(WRC).
Before connecting with the WRC y g familystruggledwithpoorfinancialmanagement,whichledtosignificantlosses. She experienced overwhelming stress and depression, at times grappling with suicidal thoughts and concerns about her children’s well-being. Despite her efforts to break free from her circumstances, she felt lost and uncertain about hernextsteps
SinceattendingthevariousprogramsMrs.Dary’smindsetshifted;increasingher confidencetodealwithfamilyandbusinesschallenges.Sherealizedthatclarity in her personal and professional life was crucial for overcoming past traumas and achieving recovery Today, she approaches life with positivity and a commitmenttoupliftingthosearoundher.
Darysaid “By getting support and motivation from my husband it makes me feel warm, have self-confidence and strongly to desire to continue my life with my familyandrunmybusinessmoresmoothlythanbefore.”
Currently, Mrs. Dary is on the path to establishing a small cooking class business called "Cook and Connect with Locals" This initiative aims to empower homemakers to achieve financial independence and well-being while fostering a supportivecommunity.Mrs.Dary'svisionistocreateanenvironmentthatreduces stress and serves as a positive example for other women. Mrs. Dary has found joy and prosperity for her family, and she is excited to give back to her community throughhernewventure Shenowleadsagroupofwomenforhercookingclassin thecommunity.
WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER | PAGE 28
ImpactStories of2024
Sovann Ratha is a 19-year-old female living in Siem Reap town with her parents, and currently studying grade 12 in High School. Before becoming a youth ambassadorfortheSaferCityforGirls(SCG)project,shestruggledwithspeaking tofriendsandthoseinhigherpositions,lackedconfidencetogooutside,andhad insufficient knowledge about bullying, harassment, sexual terminology, and genderviolence.Sheconsideredtheseissuestobenormal.
Throughouttheimplementationoftheproject,therewasclosecollaborationwith local authorities, school principals, and communities to raise awareness and promote activities such as football recreational programs, capacity-building workshops, annual reflections, community forums, interface meetings, Code of Conduct training, International Day of the Girl events, girl safety walks, and Facebook Lives. These efforts aimed to create a safer environment for girls while enhancing their knowledge and ability to protect themselves and advocate for societal change. Additionally, the project aimed at achieving meaningful participationofgirlsinurbandevelopmentandgovernance
Ratha feels proud to be one of the youth ambassadors for the project. She has gained the confidence to lead various activities and has actively promoted safe spaces for girls and young women in the city by installing solar lights, communication billboards and garbage bins, all funded by Youth Engagement Funds through the SCG project. Currently, Ratha has been selected as a representative for the General Management of Angkor Paradise Hotel. Through her involvement, she has acquired valuable knowledge and skills in leadership, communication,facilitation,andconfidentiality.
ACTION PLANS
for Fiscal Year: January to December 2025
ThisAnnualReportisourprimaryreport includesachievementsandfinancial summaryin2024.Also,itprovidesofa organization’sprogresswhetherit’sjust foraparticularmonthortheentireyear.
Besidefromtheperformancein2024in thisreport,wecreatestunningreportsby highlightingthenextactionsplanfor 2025
Developnewstrategic planning2026-2028
Reviewandupdatethe importantpolicies.
Updatethesocial media,digitalplatforms includingwebsite.
Strengthenthehuman resourcecapacities, programs,andM&E.
Partnershipand Networking
Diakonia
SchmitzFoundation
SEAsiaFoundation
Apprentisd'Auteuil
HenrichBollFoundation
PlanInternationalCambodia
GirlOpportunityAlliance/GoFundMe
TheResilienceFundforWomen/United
NationFoundation
GlobalGivingdonations
InKinddonations
Paidosoft
SK2Fund 88bikes