In the heart of rural landscapes, where tradition often reigns supreme, the lives of women are entangled in the stereotypes and expectations of their communities. Women often seen as caretakers and housewives, possess the power only to be dominated by men. Even with potentiation and ambition to achieve greatness, the aspiration would easily be struck down by the pressure of their surroundings. Women in rural areas often face undeniably outdated ideas that restrict them from the right to do things that men normally can. These stereotypes frequently depict women as primarily caregivers and homemakers, limiting their opportunities for education, employment, and personal development. Cultural norms and traditional beliefs may reinforce the idea that a woman’s place is within the home, leading to a lack of recognition for their contributions outside domestic spheres. 

In Cambodia, stereotypes in the rural areas greatly perpetuate gender inequality, affecting women’s access to resources, healthcare, and decision-making processes. It can also be seen that women are subjected to societal pressures that highly judge their behavior, appearance, and passion, further limiting their potential. Women Peace Makers (WPM) is among the organizations in Cambodia that are working closely to support the empowerment of women and youth. The iMPACT STORY team is able to capture the impact of their project relating to empowering young girls in remote areas. Through the video documentaries, we’re allowing the voices of women who are living under these pressures of society being heard. Getting to hear their perspective made us understand the struggle and how unjustified society’s norms have been. It’s our duty to help raise awareness and emancipate the oppression of women. 

In a nation where human resources are considered to be key essential in fostering the economy forward. We need all the forces that are capable of striving forward no matter their gender. A society where women and men are treated equally would be characterized by inclusivity, respect, and shared opportunities across all aspects of life. In such a society, gender roles would be diverse, allowing individuals to pursue their interests and careers without the constraints of traditional stereotypes. Women should have the obligation to vote and express their ideas freely. Not having societal expectations will grant women release from the idea of marrying and becoming a housewife at a young age. 

The iMPACT STORY team fully supports the women’s rights movement and continues to be a role model for women in the workspace. While WPM’s project is a great initiative to address these issues, it’s up to all of us to contribute and continue spreading impact to all parts of our country. Challenging these stereotypes is crucial for fostering gender equality and empowering women in rural areas to pursue their goals and participate fully in society. By highlighting their resilience and capabilities, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that hinder women’s progress in these communities.