This project receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and is in partnership with our implementing partner Habitat for Humanity Cambodia. Together, we are working with women and communities to create safe housing, improve infrastructure, and build resilience through inclusive, community-led solutions.
Women Lead Change in Poung Toek Village
In Cambodia’s Poung Toek Village is home to 338 families and 1,345 people, including 621 women and 30 people with disabilities. Like many rural communities, residents rely on rice farming, crop cultivation, livestock, local wage labour, and migration to Thailand to sustain their livelihoods. Yet, persistent challenges such as limited employment opportunities and inadequate infrastructure restrict economic growth and affect daily well-being. These difficulties are compounded by recurring natural disasters, including floods, droughts, strong winds, and pest outbreaks that damage crops, homes, and health, placing families under constant pressure.
A Village Without a Road
One of the most pressing issues was the lack of a proper road. During harvest season, villagers often had to stay overnight near their rice fields because they could not return home, despite living in the same village. The absence of an accessible road disrupted family life and created extra burdens for women, who were responsible for transporting goods and caring for their households.
Women Step Into Leadership
Previously, disaster response in Poung Toek was left to individual households with little coordination or support from local authorities. That changed with the support of Habitat Cambodia. A Participatory Approach to Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA) group was formed, led by women and elected by the community. The group included 25 members, with a woman serving as its leader. This marked a transformative moment, as women were given a formal role in identifying challenges, proposing solutions, and shaping decisions that affect the entire community.
Building a Road to Opportunity
Working closely with local authorities, the PASSA group developed a community development plan. Their first major initiative was a micro-proposal to construct a road. The 3,500-meter-long, 5-meter-wide road would connect the village to surrounding areas and improve access to rice fields, markets, and essential services.
The new road has transformed life in Poung Toek. It reduced travel time, lowered transportation costs, and made it easier for farmers to bring their products to market. It also connected the village to Angkor Thum and Angkor Chum Districts, creating new economic opportunities and strengthening regional ties.
A Legacy of Inclusive Leadership
The success of the road project has brought pride and ownership to the community. The PASSA group, working with local authorities and residents, has committed to maintaining the road so that it continues to benefit future generations. Most importantly, the project demonstrated the power of inclusive, community-led planning and the vital role of women when they are empowered to lead.
This project receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and is in partnership with our implementing partner, Habitat for Humanity Cambodia.
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