Overview

ABS consciously plans from the beginning of it’s involvement in a community how it will be able to leave, and what capacities need to be developed so key activities can increasingly operate without support. Alongside knowledge of their rights, BS seeks to build the communities capacity and confidence to act in support of those rights. There is a continual learning cycle, where the community is encouraged to analyse where it needs support and training that BS can facilitate. Understanding the community, and finding the right people to be activists that can mobilize others is key to making the programme successful. Considerable time is taken getting to know the community and choosing appropriate people to act as community facilitators.

Background

Banteay Srei (Citadel of Women ) is a registered Cambodian NGO with over twenty years experience working with poor vulnerable Cambodian women and communities in rural areas to bring about political, economic and social change. Banteay Srei evolved from the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA), an Australian NGO, and has become a leading Cambodian NGO in the areas of building women’s leadership in rural areas, strengthening women’s participation in local community development processes, promoting gender equality and women’s rights, and increasing community action on positive gender relations and against gender-based violence.

Value

• Commitment to Women’s Empowerment and Participation • Transparency and Accountability • Commitment to working with vulnerable women and their children • Open to learning and sharing Dignity and Respect for diversity

Mission

Banteay Srei is a Cambodian women’s non-governmental organisation that empowers women and their families to improve their political, economic and psycho-social situation through mobilising communities for sustainable development, advocacy work for gender justice and engaging men on gender equality.

Vision

A just Cambodian society in which women realise their full potential, are living with equality and dignity, and their rights are fully respected.

Goal

Vulnerable women in Banteay Srei target areas are empowered to exercise their political, economic and psycho-social rights to enjoy equitable and sustainable development within the family, community and society.