Agents of Change: 16 Days event in Phnom Penh

Youth take actions every day to positively transform themselves into better individuals and leaders, fostering a more equal, inclusive world. This year’s on Human Rights Day in Cambodia, two youth movements united to powerfully demonstrate the power of youth as catalysts for change.

On December 10 in Phnom Penh, two influential Cambodian youth movements, Breakthrough and Love is Diversity, united to spotlight the innovative youth projects dedicated to advancing gender equality and inclusion in Cambodia.

Huy Sambath, one of the founders of the Breakthrough movement, explains, "This year, for 16 days, we decided to collaborate with Love is Diversity and other youth initiatives. Together, we are all working to challenge social norms and discrimination that lead to gender-based violence. This solidarity shows how youth, especially young women, can lead the way when it comes to ending gender-based violence.

Aligned with the 2023 global theme "UNiTE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls," the event featured seven youth networks, predominantly founded by young women. These included Art and Mental Health, Code for Girls, SEED Cambodia, Young SEAkers Cambodia, Techno Beverages, Baykork, and RULErs. During the event, organisers emphasized the importance of supporting and investing in youth groups that are working to promote gender equality as a crucial step towards ending violence against women and girls.

“Our aim was to stage an event where we could collectively showcase our commitment to ending gender-based violence and elevate the work of other youth groups. Investment in prevention doesn't only mean money but also our time and effort,” said event organiser and Breakthrough co-founder Van Chankanha.

Breakthrough and Love is Diversity are both movements igniting change across Cambodian society; Breakthrough is a feminist media movement promoting women's empowerment through storytelling, while Love is Diversity champions LGBTQ+ rights through social media, community engagement, and advocacy at all levels. Initially supported by UN Women Cambodia, both Breakthrough and Love is Diversity have evolved into entirely self-sustaining youth groups.

Breakthrough co-founder, Ung Rongphaltevy, sees that mobilising youth as agents of change is vital to address violence. ‘Events like these remind us that youth can make a difference. By raising our voices and acting, we fuel the movement to end gender-based violence, and invest in that future, and be the change we want to see’.

The event showcased a diverse array of art and photo exhibitions, films, and powerful first-person storytelling that highlighted the experiences of youth, people with disabilities, and the LGBTIQ community. Emphasizing the importance of adopting an intersectional perspective when addressing gender-based violence, it featured Kuy Thida, the founder of the Love is Diversity, who shared his personal story: “When I was young, I had a dream—to be able to be myself. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the first challenge is within me. I hope Love is Diversity can continue to be a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to be themselves." 

With a turnout of 100 participants from diverse backgrounds, including a significant number of youth and representatives from the British Embassy, various civil society organizations, and the Cambodian Ministry of Women's Affairs, the event gained broad support.

In addition to the art and exhibitions, there was an LGBTIQ fashion show, interactive youth panel discussions, performances, and film screenings. These left participants, such as Bona Maryneth, feeling inspired. She expressed, “The event left me with a voice calling for an end to violence against women and girls still humming in my heart. It made me feel like it's something we must fight for now.”

Participant Moeurn Sreyka echoed this sentiment, saying, “This event both impressed and moved me; the LGBTQ+ themed fashion show made me emotional. I was delighted to be a part of it.”

The occasion also marked the 3-year anniversary of the Breakthrough movement. A moment was taken to reflect and celebrate their accomplishments, including hosting numerous large-scale film events, conducting film and storytelling workshops for youth, organizing roadshows across Cambodia, and producing over 40 films.

Van Chankanha remarks, "I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished. Three years ago, we decided to stand up against social norms, not just for ourselves but for all women. It takes courage and opportunity to challenge the status quo. Here's to breaking barriers and empowering women everywhere!"

Looking ahead, future events for both movements include a Breakthrough film festival, campaigning for marriage equality, and continuing to emphasize that a future free from violence against women starts with us. As Breakthrough co-founder Kong Raksmey says, “We need to unite and invest to prevent gender-based violence. Be true to yourself, dare to challenge, dream, decide, and breakthrough. Brave voices pave the way for a violence-free and more peaceful world.”

Explore more about Breakthrough by visiting their website and stay connected with their impactful movement here.

For the latest updates on the Love is Diversity movement, follow their journey here.