CCHR Calls for Mental Health Support for Women Activists
- By Chhuon Kongieng
- December 11, 2023 4:05 PM
PHNOM PENH – The Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) highlighted mental health as a crucial concern for women activists and called for support from both the government and the public.
The initiative, held to mark International Human Rights Day and the 16-Day Campaign of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence, focused on raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by women activists, encouraging collective participation, and commemorating dead activists.
Lim Borin, the project coordinator for Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), emphasized the significance of the request.
“Our study indicates that women activists, leading the fight for human and women's rights, encounter various challenges, including discrimination and threats, resulting in mental health issues,” said Borin.
He highlighted the need for public involvement in supporting female activists who often face pressure exceeding that of male activists, sometimes even lacking family support.
Borin underscored that the mental health of women activists hasn't received adequate attention, urging the government to prioritize the issue and provide support.
The CCHR already collaborates with partners, including TPO Cambodia and Sneha Center, to offer mental health consultations to activists, but lacks resources to address the issue nationwide.
While acknowledging the government's support for LGBTIQ+ rights, Borin emphasized the need for similar attention to the mental health of women activists.
“The CCHR works with the government to address challenges faced by citizens, especially victims, and collaborate on promoting mental well-being among female activists,” he said.
On Nov. 25, the organization conducted an online survey, encouraging citizens to submit questions regarding the implementation of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) and LGBTIQ+ activists' rights in Cambodia.
Ten questions were selected by a committee on Dec. 8, covering topics such as government strategies for women's and LGBTIQ+ rights, violence prevention, promotion of women's rights in politics, civic space expansion, and increased women's participation in leadership roles.
They will be forwarded to the government for consideration.
