[Phnom Penh, 28 October 2021] We live in a rapidly changing world, where everything is constantly evolving for the greater good and we are all slowly adapting to it, to society and all of us are just trying to fit into society. However, society can sometimes be biased where there are still people who are facing unspeakable hates, discriminations, and being confronted by barriers that prevent them from fully participating in political, economic, and social activities. This is the reason why we have conducted Now-Us! Cambodia Award. We wish to recognize inspiring inclusive initiatives from Cambodia that promote diversity, inclusion, and empowerment Voice’s rightsholder groups also communities through the Nothing about us Without Us! (NOW-Us!) Awards.
The identified 10 groups have been selected to virtual Bootcamp, which have ongoing initiatives that are led by rightsholder groups as well as address the matter of innovation on diversity and inclusion. The virtual Bootcamp is a three-week program aimed at furthering orienting and strengthening their capacity and revisiting project ideas as well as inclusive approaches along the NOW-Us! journey with the support from Voice ambassadors, who are professionals, influencers, and the well-connected issue of a marginal group in Cambodia.
Cambodia Now-Us Ambassadors
On October 1, 2021, The first Cambodia NOW-Us! Award Ceremony was a great success led by Impact Hub Phnom Penh with a close collection with Voice Cambodia. Potentially, Cambodia Now-Us Award finalists have the final pitch and were evaluated by jury committees who are full of experience and provide critical insights for improvement.
A jury says, in particular, it is not easy to decide and agree between the committee which group is best for Cambodia NOW-Us! Award, Though they are competitive and full of potential to grow in a thriving matter of diversities and inclusions. This is pretty exciting and inspiring at the moment, juries finally identified the top candidates by consolidating with several round discussions.
(the 9 finalists for final pitch – one group is dropped)
(Jury committee)
Here are 3 winners announced at the end of the event which are initially impactful projects that we found through NOW-Us! Cambodia; as well as bringing Cambodia to be a more inclusive place to shine!
Neary is an online platform, working to combat all the negative social norms and stereotypes for gender equality. Winning first place with their #IYOUAREBEAUTIFUL Campaign.
Saori Organization is a non-profit organization that works for a society where people with disabilities have the opportunity to study skills, obtain decent employment, earn a living, and to live a dignified life. Winning 2nd place with their capacity building and women with disabilities empowerment project.
SafespaceBTB is a community project working toward creating a safe and creative space for LGBT youth in Battambang province. Winning 3rd place with their capacity building and space building project.
(three winners of Cambodia NOW-Us! Award)
“An inclusive society must include everyone, not just 1 vulnerable group but many combined,” Ung Sambath, CAHD
If you want to look for more impactful projects similar to these, check out the other 6 projects from NOW-Us! Cambodia 2021:
In the Pink is an independent digital campaign that seeks to raise awareness of conceivably life-threatening warning signs during and after pregnancy and improve communication between women and their companions
Untangle is a digital campaign working to raise awareness on mental health and mental health issues in Cambodia and providing E-therapy to Cambodians.
HearUs is a digital campaign Raise awareness on SOCIESC rights, creates safe space, and empowers voices of LBTIQWomen and inclusion.
Cambodia Association of Hansen people of Cambodia is a non-profit organization working on promoting people with disabilities rights, improving the quality of life, empowerment, promoting disability Inclusion, strengthening access to justice, and promoting accessibility.
Organization to promote KUI culture is a community project working on programs such as community mobilization, education and culture, legal section, and livelihood development for the indigenous people in Cambodia.
Save Vulnerable Cambodian is a non-profit-organization working together to eradicate poverty, sustainable development of the environment, social justice, and the promotion of fundamental human rights in a democratic society.
(group photo)
About NOW-Us! Cambodia 2022
NOW-Us! will continue to promote inclusiveness and diversity through various material from podcasts, music video, and mini-documentary while launching our second cohort in mid-2021.
For more information:
Pichmony Thay and Event Manager of Impact Hub Phnom Penh | 010 42 27 26 [email protected]
For the Photo:
