Cambodia Culture & Feminism

I grew up in a culture where people define a good girl as one that is "quiet and doesn't talk back" during meetings. For a really long time, I obeyed. Why? Because I did see anything "wrong" with it; I mean I thought it was just how things are. Here in Cambodia, most women stay home, do dishes, watch after kids, cook. While their husbands leave to eat breakfast (usually soup noodles), they get their children ready to go to school. Women are certainly not treated as equally as men. Women have limited opportunities, especially in labor forces. Often times, are seen as vulnerable, low-status, illiterate beings.

All the causes of this date back in History. In Khmer culture, women as old as 15 years old have to stay home and learn how to sew, cook, and basically look after a family. This tradition is called "jol mlob". Then, these poor women would be forced by parents to get married. Some of them do not even get to see what their spouse look like. When it comes to marriage, girls have no say whatsoever. It's all up to the parents.

In fact, two of my aunts, my grandmother and more women I know were all affected by this. This is one of the reasons why I strongly stand against illogical, simply false cultural ideas. Do not get me wrong; there are of course good parts about Cambodian culture. However, this one is just not right. It has to be addressed. Voices need to be heard. The cry of these women needs to be heard.

I am lucky to have been borned in a generation where these old ideas has been partially eliminated. Due to lack of education, women in the country sides are still being forced to follow this vacuous tradition.

Women in any part of the world, not just Cambodia, should have the rights to receive Education, same payment fees, the same opportunities and the same rights- whether it's to choose spouse or to speak up.