← Gender and Women's Issues

Creating a Protective Community for Women, Girls, Men, and Boys (KH0108)

Completed Gender and Women's Issues

About this project

This initiative focused on preventing and responding to gender-based violence while strengthening psychosocial support systems in rural Cambodia. Implemented in partnership with national and community stakeholders across Kampong Chhnang, Kampot, and Tbong Khmum provinces, the initiative worked at both community and institutional levels to build protective environments for women, girls, men, and boys. It combined gender-responsive mediation, mental health support, and community education to strengthen local responses to violence and improve access to survivor-centered services. The work supported local authorities, community groups, and self-help networks to address harmful norms, strengthen mediation practices, and expand mental health awareness. Over time, the initiative contributed to stronger local support systems, improved confidence among service providers, and increased community capacity to prevent violence and support survivors in more coordinated and sustainable ways.

Results

  • Community-based gender-responsive mediation strengthened through training and support for local authorities and mediation structures.
  • Mental health and psychosocial support capacity expanded through training and collaboration with specialized partners.
  • Establishment and strengthening of self-help groups for women, men, and young people to address violence, alcohol-related harm, and mental health.
  • Increased awareness and prevention of gender-based violence through community education and engagement activities.
  • Strengthened coordination between community actors and local authorities to support survivor-centered responses.
  • Improved access to local mediation and psychosocial services in target communities.
  • Enhanced confidence and capacity among local service providers to respond to gender-based violence and mental health needs.
  • Foundations for longer-term collaboration with government stakeholders to strengthen gender-responsive mediation systems.