In Cambodia, women living with HIV strengthen their livelihoods and leadership

Author: Sokunnara Thlen

Overcoming years of illness, stigma and financial strain, several women living with HIV in Roka commune, north-western Cambodia, now have improved health, confidence and livelihoods.

Saloeun Po, 41, experienced emotional pain and stigma following her HIV diagnosis, with relatives unfairly blaming her because she had previously worked as a garment worker in Phnom Penh.

Since the HIV outbreak in Roka in 2014, UN Women in Cambodia with local partners, has supported women living with HIV in the commune not only to confront the challenges they face, but to ensure they’re recognized for their leadership and role in community resilience.

After training and support, today Po earns nearly as much as her husband. She also supports other women raising chickens and speaks with greater confidence. Community members also come to her for advice and ask her to raise issues with commune authorities on their behalf.

“I consider myself a brave woman who can face challenges,” she beams.

After gender equality training, Po told her husband that chores shouldn’t be defined by gender. Now, they share responsibilities and discuss family decisions together.

Savy Pich, a 59-year-old mother of five living with HIV in Roka commune, faced a similar journey.

She farmed turmeric, ginger, galangal and kaffir lime leaves, and raised chickens and ducks, but lacked technical skills and business knowledge. Her earnings were low and inconsistent, and her health was another source of stress. At one point, she was falsely told she had six years to live.

Her turning point came in October 2023, when Pich joined activities implemented by Banteay Srei with support from UN Women’s EmPower programme and UNAIDS. She received training on financial management, chicken-raising, mushroom cultivation, entrepreneurship, leadership and savings, as well as gender equality, domestic violence, women’s rights, health and engagement in the Commune Investment Plan.

The project also provided coaching and practical equipment: chicks, nets, cages, chicken feed and tents. Pich describes it as a “full set” of skills, equipment and starting capital.

With stronger technical knowledge, Pich now raises healthier chickens and her income has increased by up to 100 per cent. Her husband contributes by fishing, but the family depends mainly on her income. She continues to save even when household expenses run high.

She also now participates in discussions on the Commune Investment Plan, raises concerns with local authorities and acts as a mediator and adviser.

“I am strong now. I can earn by myself. I can survive by myself,” she asserts. “I am braver than before. I can speak up, explain with arguments and share my ideas. I am proud of myself.”

For Sopha Choueb, 39, the HIV diagnosis brought painful social exclusion. At a local wedding, guests moved away from her after learning she was from Roka commune. On another occasion, a moto-taxi driver doubled her fare.

But support under the Empower programme changed her world entirely, giving her the confidence and know-how to earn a good income raising chickens and cultivating mushrooms.

Once shy about speaking in public, she also now shares her experience at community events, including about poultry-raising and living positively with HIV.

“I talk more now. I am brave to share my experience,” she says.

Her story reflects a wider goal of the project: to support women affected by HIV to improve their lives and strengthen their leadership, voice and solidarity.

“For women living with HIV, livelihood support is also about dignity and belonging,” says Sophea Khun, UN Women Cambodia Country Programme Coordinator. “When women can earn, make informed decisions and speak with confidence, they are better able to challenge stigma and rebuild their place in family and community life.”