Eviction and Resistance in Cambodia: Five women tell their stories

ABSTRACTED FROM THE FORWARD: Forced evictions frequently lead to the breakdown of community networks and informal support systems relied upon by women in their daily lives. they often mean disruption of children’s education, diminished access to health services and a deterioration of the family’s mental and physical well-being. because many victims of forced eviction are resettled in areas far from urban centres and work opportunities, husbands spend long stretches of time away from their families, leaving their wives to cope alone with daily household chores and family needs. nonetheless these women have developed coping strategies for themselves and as the primary caregivers for their family. the women whose stories are told here have faced forced eviction, or continue to resist eviction and removal from their land, with a mix of fear and bravery, anger and calm resolve. this publication tells the stories of four cambodian women, mai, sophal, heap and vanny, who have faced or resist forced eviction from their homes and land. it also tells the story of hong, a woman from an indigenous community, who is at risk of losing the forests that her people have traditionally depended upon for their survival.