Remembering Labour Issues in Cambodia
In Baray, a tight-knit community smack dab in the middle of Cambodia along the road from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap ... God is at work. To give opportunity for vulnerable moms, many older women who have made handicrafts for VillageWorks for years/decades - have given up their paying jobs with VillageWorks, which has given them access to National Social Security Fund (NSSF). This is a picture of love and sacrifice, especially since many of these older women have lost their husbands in the past few years. Now a younger generation can avail themselves of NSSF which helps with employment injury, emergency services, medical care, disability, funeral and some retiral. By offering their jobs to others, it means that the older women no longer qualify for NSSF, increasing their personal vulnerability. This is a powerful kind of love. Can you imagine giving up your income and benefits to help a vulnerable person? I am still processing this.
This community in Baray is the origin story of VillageWorks.
I was deeply moved by the initiatives led by the women of Baray. They have two primary goals:
- Pass on their skills: They aim to train the next generation of younger women in the handicrafts they have developed over the years.
- Mentorship in faith: They seek to mentor young women, guiding them in their relationship with Jesus Christ, their mentor, friend, and Savior.
Anak, the Director of VillageWorks, has a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal): to employ more of these faithful and sacrificial women by increasing sales of their fair trade, environmentally sustainable products while developing partnership with Tenth for short term support and JUSTBAG sales. Learn more about VillageWorks here.
One of the key objectives for VillageWorks is to increase the number of women on their payroll, ensuring they earn at least the minimum wage of $80 per month. This would not only provide them with the better means to support their families but also allow them to benefit from the National Social Security Fund.
Wouldn't it be truly wonderful if at least 10 women could be hired at a minimum of $80 per month. These women work hard to produce beautiful handicrafts, and by securing stable employment, they can pass on their skills while mentoring the next generation.
Exploitative labour in Cambodia remains a significant issue, particularly in industries like garment manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. Workers often face poor working conditions, long hours, and inadequate wages, with little protection from exploitation. Despite efforts to improve labor standards, many Cambodians, including children, are trapped in cycles of poverty that make them vulnerable to forced labor and human trafficking. We are grateful for Anak and VillageWorks, as they not only model best fair-trade practices for their employees but also share these principles on local, national, and regional stages. Recently, Anak spoke about leading a fair-trade business at an ASEAN conference in Malaysia.
As you may know, we are leading an exciting Justice Journey in Cambodia this October. We have a strong team that will be serving in two key areas, and we welcome your support:
- Partnership Support with VillageWorks: Our team will help develop and implement a Health and Safety plan for their 35 employees with disabilities in Phnom Penh and visit the women of Baray as well. Additionally, we will provide coaching in strategic planning, marketing, communication, and product design. Learn more and support here.
- Redemptive Entrepreneur Training and Coaching: This will culminate in a three-day gathering for new and established Christian business leaders. Learn more and support here.
We are grateful to partner with Hungry for Life to help manage some of our Cambodia projects and our Justice Journeys.
Inspired by our Cambodia partners,
Patrick Elaschuk I Global Missions Pastor
Picture of Anak in pink sharing with her team in Baray from my August 2024 visit