Cambodia
RFSU has been supporting organisations in Cambodia for more than a decade. Although homosexuality and abortion are legal, there is still much progress to be made.
In Cambodia, abortion is legal. The government also supports comprehensive sexuality education, which has been part of the curriculum for only a few years. On social media, there is a feminist mobilisation and a rethinking of conservative gender roles. The LGBT movement in the country is growing.
At the same time, few are aware that abortion is legal in the country and stigma is widespread. Homosexuality is not criminalised but discrimination is widespread. Cambodia's previous violent history, with decades of civil war, still characterises the country. Despite major improvements in health and education, poverty remains widespread. Like many countries in the region, Cambodia is moving towards increasingly authoritarian rule and a diminishing space for social rights.
RFSU's work in Cambodia
RFSU has been supporting organisations in Cambodia for over ten years. RFSU has even helped to revise the Cambodian curriculum, as sexuality education is now a compulsory subject in the curriculum. RFSU also supports teacher training in Cambodia, providing future educators with the necessary tools to address issues relevant to young people.
Partner organisations in Cambodia
RFSU works with four organisations in Cambodia.
Rainbow Community Kampuchea (RoCK)
RoCK was established in 2009. RoCK is the first officially recognised LGBT rights organisation in Cambodia. Currently, they have around 1,500 members and several employees. They aim to change societal values through educational campaigns and advocate for the implementation of laws to support their cause.
Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC)
Founded in 1996, RHAC is a leading organisation in Cambodia focused on making SRHR accessible to all. It provides services across 19 of Cambodia’s 25 provinces. RHAC addresses critical issues like gender-based violence while advocating for improved health services at both national and community levels. By investing in information and communication technology (ICT) —tools like computers and mobile systems—RHAC improves efficiency in delivering services. Its youth health program promotes sexuality education, HIV prevention, and community health awareness.
Klahaan
Klahaan is an intersectional feminist organisation that builds evidence, organises, and campaigns on issues affecting women. It advocates for a fair and equal society where Cambodian women of all backgrounds enjoy fundamental rights, particularly sexual autonomy. The organisation uses online campaigns to engage young people, conducts feminist participatory action research, creates digital content to change attitudes on women's rights, and contribute to collective actions to strengthen the feminist movement in Cambodia.
The Gender and Development Cambodia (GADC)
Gender and Development Cambodia (GADC) is a leading non-profit organization promoting gender equality as a fundamental human right. Founded in 2000 by women, GADC works to empower individuals to make choices free from stereotypes and rigid gender roles. For over 20 years, GADC has influenced laws, led campaigns, and provided gender training to over 35,000 people across government, NGOs, and local communities. They collaborate with local authorities to advance gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). GADC also leads the Gender and Development Network (GADNet) with 42 NGOs and runs the Cambodian Men’s Network (CMN) to challenge toxic masculinity. Internationally recognized, GADC effectively manages grants to support its mission of gender advocacy.