More than 130 land recipients from two Social Land Concession (SLC) sites in Battambang and Kampong Chhnang provinces have strengthened their understanding of gender equality, women's leadership, and the prevention of gender-based violence through awareness trainings organized under the Land Allocation for Social and Economic Development Project III (LASED III).

The awareness sessions were organized by the LASED III Gender Team of the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC), in collaboration with the LASED III Gender Team of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Provincial Departments of Women's Affairs.

The first session was held on 28 July 2026 in Preah Phos Commune, Koas Krala District, Battambang Province, followed by a second session on 30 July 2026 in Prasnoeb Commune, Rolea B'ier District, Kampong Chhnang Province.

The awareness aimed to increase land recipients' understanding of gender mainstreaming in agriculture, gender equality, women's participation in community decision-making, and the prevention of gender-based violence. It also encouraged greater participation of women in local governance, particularly within Social Land Concession Management Committees, as part of LASED III's efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable rural development.

A total of 134 land recipients participated in the two sessions, of whom 60 percent were women. The session in Preah Phos Commune attracted 66 participants, while 68 participants attended the training in Prasnoeb Commune. The high level of women's participation reflected the project's continued commitment to ensuring that women play an active role in community development and local decision-making.

Participants learned about key gender concepts including the distinction between sex and gender, gender roles, gender equality and equity, gender mainstreaming in agriculture, gender analysis, women's economic empowerment, and gender-based violence. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, the sessions emphasized that empowering women to participate equally in household and community decision-making contributes to stronger families, more productive agricultural livelihoods, and more resilient communities.

Women in rural Cambodia continue to face significant barriers to participating in community decision-making, according to Ms. So Rothavy, LASED III National Gender Equality and Development Specialist and trainer. She explained that many women experience time poverty, as they carry the dual responsibility of productive work, such as farming and income generation, alongside unpaid household and caregiving responsibilities. She also noted that limited support from family members—particularly husbands—and persistent gender stereotypes often discourage women from taking on leadership roles.

Ms. Rothavy added that gender-based violence remains a concern in some rural communities and is often associated with alcohol abuse, jealousy, and unequal power relations between women and men. She stressed that promoting gender equality, mutual respect, and shared decision-making within families is essential to preventing violence and creating communities where women can participate confidently in leadership and development.

The discussions also encouraged participants to reflect on how they could apply the knowledge in their daily lives by promoting respectful relationships, sharing household responsibilities, and supporting women's participation in community affairs.

Ms. Penh Samnang, one of the participants, expressed her appreciation for the training, noting that it was beneficial not only to her but also to all the participants.

"Through participating in this awareness session, I gained a lot of knowledge about gender. I learned that women and men have equal rights and responsibilities within the family. The training taught us how to become positive role models in our households by resolving conflicts without violence. It also encouraged us to live harmoniously with our neighbors by showing mutual respect, patience, and understanding. We should practice tolerance within our villages and communities and set a good example for our children."

The awareness sessions form part of LASED III's Gender Action Plan, which integrates gender considerations across all aspects of project implementation to ensure that women and men benefit equitably from project investments and development opportunities. Going forward, the project will continue to implement gender awareness activities, promote women's leadership within Social Land Concession and Indigenous Community Committees, monitor the implementation of gender-related initiatives, and support the achievement of the project's gender objectives, contributing to more inclusive, equitable, and resilient rural communities across LASED III targeted areas.

(Story and Photos by Leak Ratna, Communications Specialist, LASED III/MLMUPC/ July 30, 2026)