Background

Mother's Heart was started to respond to the lack of choices women have when they face an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy and because there were no other organisations working in this area. We walk along side women offering non-judgemental support and counselling. Cambodia has no social systerm to assist these women and their families. We are the first crisis pregnancy service in Cambodia, beginning in Dec 2010, with a small team of dedicated people. When a woman finds herself pregnant, regardless of the circumstances she is often shunned rejected by her family and left alone with little means of support. Many single women facing a crisis pregnancy not only experience gender disparity in society’s rejection of them, but her pregnancy is often the result of gender based violence such as sexual assault or trafficking. Whilst it is vital to provide immediate services to women experiencing a crisis pregnancy. Mother’s Heart also recognizes that it is equally important to address the underlying social attitudes towards women and tackle the stigma and ostracism they face. Mother’s Heart believes that crisis pregnancy and related family rejection is a gender issue regarding the worth and value of women. Women are not white linen who should be easily devalued ad discarded and changing perceptions is critical to ending the gender base violence and discrimination that effects so many Cambodian women today.

Value

Unconditional Love: Love without any limitations. Complete love - a mother’s love. Respect: Acknowledgement and acceptance of a person for who and what they are. Establishing an environment where staff and clients can share their problems and feelings in a safe place, knowing they will be loved and accepted. Passion: Putting our hearts, souls, and minds into our work to get the best results. Community Collaboration: Recognizing the importance of community. Working to contribute and strengthen communities through collaboration where two or more people or organizations work together to realize shared goals. Empowerment: Giving staff and women opportunity to make their own decisions and responsibilities. Increasing the spiritual, political, social, educational, gender, or economic strength of individuals and communities. Hope: Mother’s Heart staff and clients will have hope for their futures and will celebrate big and small successes along our journey together.

Mission

To Empower, Equip And Educate Women And Their Families Facing A Crisis Pregnancy, Through Counselling, Support Services, Medical Care And Community Involvement So That They Can Chose The Best Future For Themselves And Their Babies.