Reshaping Gender Norms in Agriculture for Inclusive Growth
- Phearum Sorn
- May 12, 2025
Women working in the field has been an argument for many decades. Throughout history, the debate was raised to determine whether the system needs to be changed as the topic of gender equity continues to be an issue. With that said, the heart of the controversy always lies under the question of whether it’s ethical for women to be employed and be working alongside men.
Cambodia was among nations in Southeast Asia where women empowerment used to be at an all time low. Through stereotypes and cultural tradition, it was clear that women have utterly less opportunity to explore and follow their passion compared to men. In the rural area, a girl’s future can legitimately be mapped out following the pattern of getting married, raising children and being a proper housewife while the husband is away doing work to feed the family.
Finn Church (FCA) is among organizations in Cambodia that focuses on addressing women empowerment through offering economic status in the field of agriculture. The iMPACT STORY team was able to work alongside the organization in order to produce video documentaries following successful women sharing their role in the agriculture cooperation (AC) system in Kampong Speu.
The remarkable story of how cooperation allows women to be involved in economic growth was part of the bigger picture in inspiring the new generation to value gender equity. With Cambodia having a deep historical stereotype against women, the idea of girls being housewives initially hindered the development of this system. The video documentary also addresses a family where the husband is not happy with his wife being on the committee at first as it takes away her time to help him with housework. However, he starts to see the benefits as she has a connection with a bigger market for their produce.
At iMPACT STORY, our team is composed of members with multi-talents and each is full of passion in pursuing what they’re good at. Having an equal workspace means everyone can express their words and work on tasks that they enjoy. Furthermore, we believe that everyone has what it takes to be in any position that best fits their skills. Stereotypes and masculinity shouldn’t be what define the order of things but rather equality and a proper systematic approach.
While changes can be hard to accept and adapt, sometimes it opens more opportunities for growth and is beneficial to certain factors of the existing system. Women are able to perform tasks as good, if not, better than men. Being able to allow everyone to grow and follow their passions means acknowledging that changes are inevitable and we’re ready to use it to our advantage.
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