Misconceptions about women migrant workers remain deeply rooted in Cambodia, often shaped by traditional gender norms that contribute to stigma, discrimination, and in some cases, violence. A 2023 UN Women Cambodia survey of 168 male university students in Phnom Penh found that half of the respondents considered physical abuse against women migrant workers to be normal, highlighting the urgency of addressing harmful attitudes.
To challenge these perceptions, UN Women Cambodia launched a storytelling initiative under the EU-funded PROTECT project. The programme brought together women migrant workers from rural communities and male university students in Phnom Penh to reflect on issues of migration, gender roles, and violence. Through this collaboration, participants co-created short documentary films based on the lived experiences of migrant women, with filming completed in May 2025 and post-production finalised in early 2026.
The process allowed students to engage directly with experiences they may not have previously encountered, while ensuring that women migrants guided how their stories were represented. This approach helped shift the narrative from blame to understanding, allowing participants to present more accurate and personal accounts of migration challenges. One participant, former migrant worker and community leader Suon Sreymom, highlighted that the films focus on real needs and experiences rather than judgement, noting that meaningful change can begin through awareness and dialogue.
The documentaries premiered in Phnom Penh on 28 March during International Women’s Month, followed by a public discussion involving migrant worker groups, students, government representatives, civil society, and development partners. The screening also marked an important moment of engagement between young people and policy stakeholders on gender and migration issues.
Among the student participants, several reported significant shifts in perspective. Film student Mean Ponlork expressed surprise at the extent of stereotypes held by young men and emphasized the importance of recognising women migrant workers’ resilience and courage. He also highlighted the need for greater education to help young men play a more active role in changing social attitudes. Another student, Vorm Sotha, noted that working directly with migrant women helped make the films more authentic and strengthened his commitment to using media to raise awareness of gender-related issues.
Cambodia remains a major source of migrant labour, with many individuals from rural areas—especially women—seeking employment opportunities abroad due to limited livelihoods at home. These workers often face risks such as unsafe recruitment, exploitation, gender-based violence, lack of reliable information, and reintegration challenges upon return, including debt.
UN Women Cambodia representatives emphasised that initiatives bringing together young men and women migrant workers in dialogue are key to shifting harmful perceptions and supporting women’s leadership. The project demonstrates how storytelling and collaboration can help challenge stereotypes and promote greater understanding of migrant women’s experiences.
