Over the past few days, Minister of Women’s Affairs and National Committee for Women’s Cambodia Chairperson Ing Kantha Phavi has been leading an inter-ministerial delegation on a packed tour across Kratie province. Running from September through November 11, the delegation made thorough stops at the provincial police headquarters, the lower court, a team of local lawyers, the prison, and various provincial departments. The main goal was to check whether laws meant to protect women and girls are actually being enforced on the ground, while also checking in on female inmates.
Inside the provincial prison, the delegation sat down for tea with Prison Director Doeuth Vuthy and Deputy Provincial Governor Sopanha to discuss how to ensure female inmates are well-fed, healthy, and learning practical skills. The idea is that once they finish their sentences and return to their villages, they will have tailoring or other trades to help them find work and rebuild their lives. Afterward, the delegation met with Provincial Police Chief Ouk Sophea and military police officials to dig into why violence against women and children keeps happening locally, and how police handle case intake, arrests, and reports.
Beyond law enforcement, the delegation also met with Provincial Lower Court President Hang Sitha and Prosecutor Keo Bunneath to talk about how to support women caught up in legal battles, especially in keeping them away from drugs and online scam traps. They looked at whether local laws and courts are stepping in quickly enough when neighbors face domestic abuse. During the trip, they also promoted a joint program with the Bar Association that provides free legal aid to abused women who cannot afford a lawyer, helping them get justice sooner.
