Political Participation of Indigenous Women in Cambodia

Abstract

This article presents the findings of an action research project undertaken in Cambodia northeastern provinces to highlight indigenous and Khmer women experiences within the commune councils, and to identify the obstacles impeding their full political participation and their ability to transform political practice and style. The study found that the roles of female commune councillors are in many cases constrained to activities consistent with common gender stereotypes. At the same time, their status is challenged by male-dominated social and political life. The study showed that women involved in local politics claimed to have different style of governance. This leadership style can be regarded as an important path to achieving democratic participation, and is very relevant in order to respond to the problems currently encountered by indigenous people, including illegal land sales, land grabbing, mining, deforestation, and pressure from agro-industrial companies.