Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: A Moment to Breakthrough
Date:
Author: Sophanich Sa
From November 25th to December 10th each year, the world observes efforts to end gender-based violence. In 2024, the global theme, "Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women," highlighted the need for concrete action. In alignment with this theme, the Cambodian youth movement Breakthrough and UN Women Cambodia hosted an event in Siem Reap City, gathering participants from various groups, including young women, men, LGBTQIA+ individuals, youth groups, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
Partner organizations at the event included the Beautiful Life Organization (BLO), Youth Ambassadors from the Safe City for Girls project under the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), and the Baykork team. These groups showcased initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and fostering social transformation.
The event brought together 159 participants in a safe, inclusive environment where individuals shared experiences and ideas on gender equality and the elimination of violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse people. One LGBTQIA+ youth participant shared, "I face discrimination... I can't be myself because my family and society do not accept me for who I truly am... Here, I feel safe to open up and share that I am LGBTQIA."
WHAT IS BREAKTHROUGH?
Breakthrough is a youth-led movement founded by 11 young Cambodian women from diverse backgrounds with a shared goal: promoting gender equality through storytelling and shared experiences. Now expanded to include over 20 members—both men and women—the movement, guided by feminist values, aims to achieve equality for women and girls across Cambodian society.
THE POWER OF STORYTELLING
The event featured a panel discussion titled "Stories of Breakthrough: Empowering Generations to Unite Against Gender-Based Violence." Panelists included a Breakthrough co-founder, a UN Women representative, an LGBTQIA+ activist, and a young filmmaker. They discussed the transformative role of storytelling in challenging harmful narratives and inspiring change.
Sivat, from the Beautiful Life Organization (BLO), shared: "Storytelling can challenge misinformation and break the cycle of harmful narratives. By sharing our personal stories, we empower ourselves and others."
Sokhavattey, a filmmaker, added: "Filmmaking is a powerful medium for inspiring audiences to take action and drive social change."
The panel also addressed the importance of engaging men and boys. Udom Chuon, a Breakthrough member and panelist, stated: "Men can support women in various ways. Gender equality requires everyone’s involvement, including men."
CELEBRATING STORIES: SHORT FILM SCREENINGS
The event also included screenings of three winning films from the Breakthrough Short Film Festival, which prompted deep reflections among participants.
A young female participant, relating to the film "Sena Angkor United," shared: "As a footballer, I face stereotypes. Neighbors often question why I play football, saying it’s a sport for men. I strive to challenge that notion and prove women can excel in football."
Another participant reflected on the film "Forks, Spoons, and Chopsticks," which addressed discrimination and allyship: "This video sheds light on issues often seen as normal. Discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community is far from normal. We must unite to tackle this and stop normalizing it."
BREAKTHROUGH FOR EVERYONE
Now in its fourth year, Breakthrough remains committed to empowering women, girls, and marginalized communities. Through initiatives like the Breakthrough Short Film Festival and the Linking Lives: Gender and Climate project, the movement continues to challenge social norms and amplify underrepresented voices.
As founder Van Chankanha reflected: "Four years of empowering women, girls, and marginalized communities. Four years of breaking down barriers and uplifting every voice. Four years of advancing gender equality in Cambodia—where everyone is part of the journey toward a more inclusive, just future."
Breakthrough’s journey continues, with its mission growing stronger each year: to unite people from all walks of life in the pursuit of equality, inclusion, and justice.
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