Love for sale

Recently, I stumbled upon a website for the The Center of Social Development program run in Cambodia. I’d have to say that it impressed me somewhat, in both content and presentation. It seems to be fairly well run and there’s not a grammatical or spelling error to be had in sight. An amazing fete in itself.
I was particularly impressed with their Voice of Justice program, a sort of outreach program aimed to teach Cambodians of the nature of justice and that perhaps it does exist in Cambodia. All hope is not lost yet, people.

I was extremely impassioned by an article written by the executive director, Theary C. Seng, on the ever present issue of prostitution and women’s rights. As most will know, or those that are familiar with the country, prostitution is a major issue within the country. The original article can be found here.
Ms. Seng’s article moved me deeply, but it’s not something that I haven’t heard or seen before. It’s an issue that concerns me as much as Ms. Seng.  In her article, she suggested that an ideal Khmer woman:

…need not be the deferential, submissive, homely, soft-spoken, well-mannered, long-haired, almond-eyed Asian mannequin of society.

Well, done. I couldn’t agree more. Undoubtedly, this definition of a woman should not, and does not apply merely to Khmer women, but all women in general.
Women in Cambodian society are so suppressed, their very freedom is hinged upon their male guardian. This may be their father or their husband, perhaps in some cases also their brothers.
Now, as a young woman living in the twenty first century, enjoying all of the ideals and freedom affordable by living in a developed country, I find this issue difficult to swallow.

It saddens me that young girls are selling their bodies in order for their family to survive, or in cruel cases, where families sell their daughters to better their life. What kind of world is this? What happened to equality for women? What happened to women’s right? Somewhere along the line, the movement that brought about change to women’s rights, somehow missed little Cambodia. It merely skimmed over the country, leaving a legacy of abuse to continue.

But in a culture where men keep many wives and mistresses, it seems that society has accepted its fate. With power there is always corruption, powerful men will corrupt. Consequently, in a country where men have the upper hand, a woman’s life may depend on a man’s mercy. Sometimes, it is dangerous to refuse. There is a fine line that khmer women tread. To be caught involved with another woman’s husband will usually lead to acid-attacks upon her person. On the other hand, to refuse the man, she may find herself dead in a vengeful attack of a lover spurned. Dilemma?

Since when did Cambodia start accepting the idea of 60-year old men with 16-year old girls? It sickens me to think about it. It’s cruel to destroy a young girl’s life by subjecting her to the sex trade. I don’t condone it and I never will.
The sad truth is that even though media reports of caucasian men abusing young khmer girls, the fact of the matter is that most abuse is done by Cambodian men.

But in a situation such as this, everyone is a victim. Khmer women must find the strength to stand up for themselves. They need to make a stand, however difficult it is. There must be change, however slow. Men need to change their attitude towards women. We have desires, emotions and needs, too. It is a long road to change, but the first steps must be, will be, and are being made. There is hope still.