Cambodian NGO wins $100,000 for gender violence aid platform
Cambodian NGO wins $100,000 for gender violence aid platform
A research team from Cambodian NGO Khana Centre for Population Health and Research has been awarded $100,000 to implement a WhatsApp chatline offering 24-hour gender-based violence response and support for female entertainment workers in Cambodia.
The annual, worldwide Development Marketplace competition, which is funded by the World Bank Group and Sexual Violence Research Initiative, has been awarded to organisations in eight different countries worldwide.
Choub Sokchamroeurn, executive director of Khana told Khmer Times yesterday: “It is a great pleasure to receive an award from such a big international programme.”
“Our idea, SMARTgirl chatline, is a Whatsapp based tool for women to seek information, services and help regarding to gender-based violence 24-hours a day.
“Information surrounding law and health, as well as emotional support, are key to helping women, all of which will be provided through the platform,” said Sokchamroeurn.
“We will work with our partners, such as Women’s and Children’s Consultative Committees and local NGOs, to distribute information about the platform to our target users,” he said, adding that he hopes to launch the SMARTgirl chatline as soon as possible.
Sokchamroeurn said although the platform was created for female entertainment workers, it is open for every woman who faces gender-based violence across the Kingdom, free of charge.
World Bank Country Manager for Cambodia Inguna Dobraja said: “Gender equality is a high priority in Cambodia and it is a strong theme in our Country Partnership Framework.”
“The project idea by Khana is part of an important effort to find ways to keep female workers safe, especially those at the highest risk,” said Dobraja.
Sokchamroeurn said the award from Development Marketplace competition will undoubtedly boost the success of the platform.
According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced partner or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetimes.
Credited: Khmer Times
