About this project
Ponlok Chomnes II strengthens Cambodia's knowledge sector so that Cambodian research informs public policy. WPM holds two roles within the program. As a member of the program's Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Consortium, WPM advises research partners on GEDSI-responsive research design, accessible communication, and dialogue processes that incorporate the voices of women, persons with disabilities, LGBTI persons, Indigenous communities, and youth. The initiative also creates stronger connections between community experiences and national policy discussions by supporting more inclusive participation and engagement spaces. Through collaboration with consortium partners and strategic stakeholders, the initiative contributes to strengthening inclusive policy processes, organizational learning, and institutional practices related to gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion. As secretariat of the SheThinks Network since 2023, WPM coordinates Cambodia's first women's research network: conceived in 2021 by twenty women researchers and launched in March 2022, SheThinks brings together members from universities, research institutes, NGOs, and government ministries to make the research space more inclusive and amplify women's voices in it.
Current focus areas
- Advising Ponlok Chomnes partners on GEDSI-responsive research designs, reports, and communication strategies that reach women, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous and other vulnerable communities
- Strengthening participation of Indigenous communities, ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals, persons with disabilities, women, and youth in policy engagement spaces
- Connecting the program and its partners with existing networks of women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and youth, and facilitating their engagement in research and policy dialogue
- Supporting Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning processes to strengthen GEDSI integration and accountability
- Contributing participatory and community-centered approaches to policy dialogue and social inclusion processes
- Training early-career women researchers in research methodology, project management, and grant proposal development, connected to small research grants
- Coordinating the SheThinks Network as its secretariat, supporting its leadership team and facilitating the development of its strategic plan
Emerging outputs
- A growing SheThinks Network of women researchers across universities, research institutes, NGOs, and government ministries, regarded by its members as the first women's research network in Cambodia
- A strategic plan and governance structure for SheThinks taking shape through member-driven processes, including a leadership team with defined terms of reference
- GEDSI perspectives integrated across the program's research, communication, and dialogue work through the consortium's advisory role
- Inclusive facilitation and dialogue approaches supporting participation of marginalized communities
- Expanded participation of grassroots and marginalized communities within policy and development discussions Program.
- Public conversations on women's place in research and policy, such as the "From Barriers to Breakthroughs" session convened with over forty participants including Technical Steering Committee members