ADRA Cambodia Participates in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

In collaboration with the Provincial Departments of Women’s Affairs in Stung Treng and Preah Vihear, ADRA Cambodia’s TOGETHER project successfully conducted the 16 Days of Activism campaign under the theme, “Together to End Violence Against Women for Social and Global Progress.” The events took place on November 27 in Siembok and Kulen districts and on November 29 in Sangkum Thmey district, engaging a total of 500 participants (264 women and 236 men) including government officials and community members.

The campaign focused on three key objectives:

1. Enhancing prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV): Encouraging action from diverse stakeholders, including religious leaders, the entertainment industry, and private sector partners.
2. Promoting positive behaviors: Inspiring both the public and service providers to support GBV survivors.
3. Advocating for resources: Calling for technical and financial support from national institutions, NGOs, civil society, and the private sector to accelerate the implementation of policies and plans to end violence against women and girls.

During the events, key messages resonated with participants. H.E. Khoy Bunthan, a member of the Preah Vihear Provincial Council, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, urging attendees to report violence to village chiefs, local authorities, or police officers. She highlighted how family violence negatively impacts household economies and children’s wellbeing, encouraging parents to create safe homes and urging students to focus on education and avoid harmful influences such as drugs. She also called on district police to actively participate in monthly commune council committee meetings on women and children’s issues and encouraged ADRA to continue supporting GBV reduction initiatives through training and awareness campaigns.

Ms. Sorn Sokha, Director of the Stung Treng Provincial Department of Women’s Affairs, acknowledged the digital era’s challenges and opportunities. She affirmed, “Ending violence against women and girls requires ongoing commitment. While this campaign occurs annually, our work to end violence continues every second.”

You Heng Heng, Social Behavior Change Communication Specialist and Representative of ADRA’s TOGETHER project, urged parents, brothers, sisters, and all students who attended the event to apply what they’ve learned today when they return home. He emphasized the importance of sharing this knowledge with others, encouraging everyone to work together to stop violence. ‘Let’s invest in preventing violence against women and girls, for the progress of our families and society, to build a strong economy free from violence,’ he stated.


In Stung Treng, participants, including government officials and NGO representatives, symbolized their commitment by signing a campaign backdrop pledging to end violence against women and girls.

ADRA Cambodia is implementing the “uniting TOwards Gender Equality for enjoyment of women’s and girls’ Total HEalth and Rights” (TOGETHER) project. Funded by the Government of Canada and supported by ADRA Canada, SickKids, and Salanga, this six-year gender-transformative initiative will ensure that nearly two hundred thousand girls, women, boys and men in Cambodia, Kenya, the Philippines, and Uganda are enabled to exercise their health-related human rights.

Together, we can end violence against women and girls, fostering a future where everyone thrives.