Women migrant workers and university students work together to shift stereotypes in Cambodia

Misconceptions about women migrant workers remain widespread in Cambodia. These perceptions, often shaped by deeply rooted gender norms, can lead to stigma, discrimination and, in some cases, violence.

In 2024, a survey conducted by UN Women Cambodia with 168 male university students in Phnom Penh highlighted both awareness and gaps in understanding. While some attitudes are shifting, 42 per cent of respondents believed that men and women should perform different jobs because men are stronger, and 50 per cent considered physical abuse against women migrant workers to be normal in the context of migration.

In response, UN Women Cambodia, under the PROTECT Project funded by the European Union, developed a storytelling initiative that brought women migrant workers and men together to reflect on perceptions of migration, gender roles and violence, while supporting women to share their experiences in their own words.

This exchange connected male university students in Phnom Penh with women migrant workers from rural communities to co-create short documentary films based on lived experiences. Through the process, students were exposed to perspectives they may not otherwise encounter, while women migrant workers guided how their stories were told. 

Suon Sreymom  states "Both videos beautifully capture the challenges faced by women migrant workers and what we truly need, rather than placing blame on our migration journeys. Often, people blame women migrant workers for being undocumented, but these videos show the reality instead of blaming. I think positive changes start from now".

The films were premiered on 28 March in Phnom Penh, marking International Women’s Month. The screening was followed by a panel discussion with members of the peer network, students, representatives from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, alongside civil society and development partners.

Among the students was Mean Ponlork, 24, a student from PSE Film School in Phnom Penh, who said the process challenged his assumptions. “I was quite surprised by some of the stereotypes held by young men about gender roles, and the limited awareness of women’s rights,” he said.

“Through the videos, I hope to inspire young men to look past stereotypes and see the bravery and resilience of women migrant workers,” Ponlork added.

“Bringing together women migrant workers and young men in dialogue is one of the ways we are working to shift perceptions and support women’s leadership,” said Sophea Khun, Country Programme Coordinator at UN Women Cambodia.

Fellow student Vorm Sotha shared a similar reflection. “I want to use my content creation and filmmaking skills to raise awareness about social issues, particularly those related to gender and women’s rights. Learning from them directly was an invaluable experience, as it made our videos more authentic and grounded in reality”

“Youth are key agents in promoting the prevention and elimination of discrimination against women and women migrant workers,” said H.E. Nhean Sochetra, General Director of the Directorate General of Social Development at the Ministry of Women's Affairs.

The experience also highlighted the role young men can play in shifting perceptions. “What I have learned is that young men have a crucial role in changing mindsets to support and protect women,” said Ponlork. “We need much more education on this,” he added.