Even so, she continued, driven by a strong commitment to serving the women and girls she met along the way.
Putheary speaks warmly about the support she received at home, and the difference that made to her work. Her husband helped care for their children, cooked and shared household responsibilities so that she could continue serving her community.
“I got a lot of support from my family,” she says. “My husband never complained... Instead, he helped me.”
That belief also shapes the message she shares with others: “A man’s involvement in gender equality is very important, because when a man understands gender equality, he will encourage and support women, giving them a better chance to join in social or community activities.”
In her view, support at home is not separate from women’s participation in public life. It is part of what gives women the time, confidence and space to contribute more fully.
Today, much of her focus is on children with disabilities, whom she sees as among the most excluded and overlooked in society. She has seen how discrimination, shame and lack of support can keep children hidden from school, healthcare and public life.
“They hide and don't show their faces much in society because they are afraid people will discriminate against them or hate them,” she says, adding that many don’t get to go to school or receive other services like healthcare. That experience has shaped her determination to ensure that children with disabilities – especially girls – are seen, supported and given the same chances as others.
Over the years, Putheary has also worked to educate women and girls about health, hygiene, education and the risks of exploitation. She points to tangible changes she has seen over time: “For instance, incidents of domestic violence have decreased, and the number of students dropping out of school has also decreased.” She also notes stronger understanding of health and hygiene and improved outcomes for mothers and babies.
Looking ahead, Putheary hopes to see children with disabilities access education, services and employment just like anyone else.
Through her work in Svay Rieng, she continues to show that women’s leadership is strengthened not only by personal determination, but by the support, inclusion and shared responsibility that make equality possible.
“I urge all men to support women by sharing care work and household responsibilities,” she says. “When these responsibilities are shared, women have more opportunity to participate in the community and take on meaningful roles in leadership.”
