By Allen Myers
PHNOM PENH — Hundreds of women and men gathered in the main square here on March 8 to mark International Women's Day. The activities were organised by the OXFAM organisations and their Cambodian counterparts.
The program extended throughout the day, which is a public holiday in Cambodia. In the morning, a range of women's groups set up booths. Some provided information and/or opportunities for discussion, while others sold items such as recycled waste products or fresh vegetables to raise funds for the groups.
Issues raised and discussed in the booths included domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, the trafficking of women and children, environment and sanitation, midwifery and the conditions of textile workers (most of whom are women).
Music, dance and skits were presented in the morning and evening. An international spirit was contributed by a performance of "Bread and Roses" by two women from the Sydney Solidarity Choir and the Manila Patagtag.
In the afternoon, discussions were held for particular groups, including women textile workers, waste pickers, sex workers and promotion women, the urban poor and young women. A transgender contingent participated in the discussions and performances.
On the previous Sunday, the Ministry of Women's and Veterans' Affairs organised a series of activities to celebrate IWD, including a bicycle ride, an arts and crafts exhibition and a charity luncheon.