About
The project aims to empower workers, particularly women workers in both informal and formal economies in Cambodia, focusing on the decent work agenda and inclusion in social protection. Women in garment factories often face rights violations and harassment, while informal economy workers were severely impacted by COVID-19 and marginalised from state social protection systems.
The project, led by ActionAid Cambodia (AAC) collaborates with trade unions and worker movements to build stronger alliances. It seeks to end workplace violence, ensure respect for labour rights and integrate women workers into governmental social protection systems.
Impact
The project has successfully established worker sub-unions and increased women’s knowledge of their rights. Workers now have better access to safety materials, life insurance, and improved working conditions. The Ministry of Labour has taken positive actions, including free health care for informal tourism workers and better conditions for street vendors. Notably, 85% of women leaders have engaged in advocacy actions and delivered a petition to the National Assembly to protect labour rights and union leaders from harassment.
PROJECT SUMMARY: ENHANCING INCLUSIVE SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR WOMEN WORKERS IN CAMBODIA
Research & Campaign
In 2021, ActionAid Australia, in collaboration with ActionAid offices in Bangladesh and Cambodia, released a research report titled “Casualties of Fashion: How garment workers in Bangladesh and Cambodia are wearing the cost of COVID-19,” highlighting the pandemic’s devastating impact on garment workers in both countries. More recently, ActionAid Australia published “Stitched Under Strain: Long Term Wage Loss Across the Cambodian Garment Industry,” funded by Clean Clothes Campaign. This report furthers the She Wears the Cost campaign, advocating for fashion brands to pay a living wage and improve working conditions across their supply chains.
