My name is Mon Srey Ka,
and I’m one of the Girl Coordinators for Girls Act Cambodia. I live in a small village called Prey Sor on the outskirts of Phnom Penh with my parents and younger sister. My mother is a high school teacher and my father is a farmer. I’m extremely proud to serve as the Cambodian Leader of the Girls Act program.
Becoming a Leader
In 2020, I was one of eight girls to join Girls Act Cambodia—a program that empowers us to grow as leaders, build essential life skills, and educate other young girls with accurate information about sexual and reproductive health and HIV. We continue building our knowledge through regular monthly meetings.
Working with Diverse Communities
I feel truly honored to work with girls from all walks of life—especially those from informal settlements, low-income families, and households affected by HIV. This experience has helped me understand the unique challenges many girls face. The program is peer-led and reaches girls from diverse backgrounds, including those living with HIV and those facing social or economic disadvantage.
Key Responsibilities
As part of Girls Act Cambodia, my main responsibilities include capacity building, program coordination, and meeting facilitation:
- Capacity Building: I’ve learned about reproductive and sexual health, HIV/AIDS, and essential life skills through ongoing training and short courses.
- Program Management: I help prepare reports and coordinate monthly meetings with girls in rural areas. I also take part in major events like World AIDS Day, International Women’s Day, and International Day of the Girl, organized by AHF.
- Meeting Facilitation: I lead group discussions where girls can openly talk about their experiences and challenges—such as dropping out of school, stigma, or discrimination. Together, we brainstorm solutions, promote education, and encourage one another to seek regular health services.
Overcoming Challenges andTransformation:
While the project has had a powerful impact on me and many other girls, challenges still exist. Family restrictions often limit participation, and many girls feel shame or discomfort when discussing personal topics. Some struggle to find the confidence to face stigma and discrimination.
Despite these obstacles, I’m continually inspired by the courage and determination of the girls I work with. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained have helped me not only in my community work but also in my personal development. Through Girls Act, I’ve also improved my English—especially during online collaborations with AHF members from other countries.
A New Chapter Begins with Me
Today, I’m proud to share that I’ve been awarded a scholarship to study health sciences at a university in Australia. This achievement reflects the strong foundation built through my experiences with AHF and Girls Act Cambodia. The program gave me the confidence, skills, and determination to pursue my dreams.
