Case Study: A Young Woman Leading Gender Role in Balot Community

We would like to introduce Sae Pisey, a 25-year-old from Balot village, Stoung district, Kampong Thom province, who is inspiring her community through her courage and leadership.

In April this year, Pisey joined a Gender Workshop organized by NatureLife Cambodia. Her dedication stood out, and after the training, she volunteered to become a Gender Volunteer for her village.

Twice a month, Pisey shares gender knowledge with community members, raising awareness about equal rights, reducing domestic violence, and encouraging women to participate more in decision-making. Beyond that, Pisey also joins the Women Patrol Group with the committees of Balot Community Protected Area, helping to monitor flooded forests, waterbirds, and rare fish species in Boeng Tonle Chhmar Ramsar site, Tonle Sap.

Pisey says: “I enjoy sharing gender knowledge and joining biodiversity patrols. It benefits our community because men and women now better understand equality and work together in conservation, so that future generations can still see our flooded forests, waterbirds, and fish.”

Despite facing gender barriers, high poverty, remote geography, and cultural norms, Tonle Sap experiences significant gender issues compared to its territorial landscape. However, with support and opportunity, Pisey is proof that empowering women leads to stronger communities.

We are proud to support Pisey and 8 other gender volunteers around Tonle Sap through our gender promotion project, with financial support of Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).