a globalteer initiaitve

Women empowerment

Why Empowering Young Women in Cambodia Matters

Traditional norms in Cambodian rural areas, shaped by the Chbab Srey code of conduct, set expected gender roles from a young age. These norms, though culturally significant, can limit girls' access to education, independence and leadership. As a result, many young women face key barriers such as:

  • Pressure to leave school early
  • Social norms that limit them to household chores
  • Low confidence and few female role models
  • Limited knowledge of health and well-being
  • Stigma around joining in sports or public life

These issues affect not only each girl but the whole community. Empowering young women is key because it supports education and builds social and economic growth in rural areas.

Role of NGOs for Women’s Empowerment in Cambodia

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a key role in helping women and girls in rural Cambodia, especially where access to education and resources is low. NGOs working on women's empowerment help bridge vital gaps by:

  • Providing access to education and skills training.
  • Providing safe spaces for girls to learn and grow.
  • Creating awareness on women's rights and health.
  • Supporting leadership and confidence-building.
  • Creating work and income opportunities.

Role of Education in Breaking the Barrier of Poverty

Education is vital for long-term empowerment. In many rural areas, girls are forced to leave school early due to financial reasons or social needs. When girls are supported to stay in education, they are more likely to:

  • Delay early marriage and make smart life choices
  • Access better job options and income sources
  • Feel confident making their own choices
  • Contribute to household and local income
  • Support education for the next generation

Social and Cultural Barriers Affecting Women’s Growth

Even when schooling is possible, women can still be held back by social norms. Common barriers include:

  • Pressure to focus on housework over personal growth
  • Less support for women in leadership roles
  • Social stigma around taking part in public life
  • Fewer opportunities for girls in sports and group activities

What is our Women's Empowerment Program in Cambodia?

We support the physical, emotional, educational and social growth of young rural women. Our goal is to give girls a safe, calm space where they learn real skills, build confidence and grow into independent young women.

Education and Rights Awareness

We build knowledge and awareness through:

  • Learning about women’s rights and equality
  • Education on health and well-being.
  • Confidence-building tasks

This work helps empower women by giving them the tools to make good choices.

Leadership and Community Voice

Girls learn to share their ideas and build leadership skills through structured activities and support. Taking part in sports and group classes builds team spirit, communication and confidence.

Economic Skills and Financial Freedom

We teach practical skills that support independence, including basic money management. Our focus is on locally suited support that helps girls plan for their future.

Safe Spaces and Women's Empowerment Groups

Our model creates open, safe spaces where girls share their stories and learn from each other, building strong peer connections. These spaces are key to building self-belief, and they give many girls in rural areas a sense of belonging they have never had before.

How Does Our Work Impact Women and Girls in Cambodia?

Our work goes beyond support and training, creating real and lasting change in the lives of young women and their communities.

Stories of Change

From Participant to Local Leader

Many girls who join the program begin with low confidence and limited options. Over time, they build leadership skills, take a full part in group activities and become role models in their communities.

Education Opening New Doors

Access to education and information helps girls continue their studies, build real skills, and find new options that were previously out of reach.

Program Reach and Key Milestones

Our program continues to grow and create real impact through:

  • Reaching more rural communities
  • Rising participation in education and group activities
  • Building support networks for young women
  • Long-term local engagement

These milestones show steady progress toward empowering women and creating lasting change.

Join Our Women's Empowerment Volunteer Programme

Work alongside our local team to open up new opportunities for girls and young women in rural Cambodia.

What You'll Do

You'll support girls and young women through classes, workshops and group activities, working side by side with Cambodian staff who know the community best.

Workshops and Classes

Help run sessions on women's rights, health and wellbeing, and support English lessons.

Skill Sharing

Pass on practical skills, from confident communication to basic money management.

Safe-Space Groups

Support small groups where girls share their stories, build trust and practise leadership.

Volunteer leading a dance activity with students in rural Cambodia
Volunteer teaching an English class at Helping Hands in Cambodia
University volunteer group with students at a rural school near Siem Reap

Who Can Volunteer

No teaching or social work background needed. Our volunteers range from students and gap-year travellers to career-breakers and working professionals. What matters most is patience and a real interest in supporting girls and young women.

Placements run year-round for 1 to 12 weeks in communities around Siem Reap.

Studying education, gender studies or social work? You can also intern with us, or see every role on our volunteer page.

How to Apply

You can apply any time of year.

  1. Choose your dates and length of stay.
  2. Apply online through our Cambodia Community Programme.
  3. We'll confirm your placement and help you plan your accommodation and arrival.

Questions? Get in touch and we'll help you find the right fit.

What are the Women’s Empowerment Events and Community Activities?

Our work empowers women by building awareness, confidence and a stronger voice in the community. These programs give them space to learn and take an active role.

  • Classes on education, health, and personal growth
  • Meetings with women's rights organizations.
  • Group talks on equality
  • Taking part in women's empowerment events 
  • Links to wider women's empowerment networks

Part of a Global Women Empowerment Network

Helping Hands belongs to a wider women's empowerment network and works with women's empowerment organizations to share knowledge and grow our impact. Working within this network allows us to turn global ideas into local steps for long-term impact for women and girls in Cambodia.

Frequently Asked Questions