Sophea Tote

In Cambodia, more than 50% of the population is 20 years old or younger. 75% of the population earns its living by subsistence farming.

The law prohibits rape and assault, though spousal rape and domestic abuse are not recognized as separate crimes. A case of spousal rape can be prosecuted as “rape”, “causing injury”, or “indecent assault,” but such charges are rare. In September 2005, the National Assembly passed a domestic violence law to prevent domestic violence and protect victims from domestic abuse. This law breaks from the cultural tradition of noninvolvement in domestic life and allows citizens and government authorities to intervene to prevent domestic abuse.

Prostitution is prohibited constitutionally, but there is no specific legislation against working as a prostitute. Despite laws against procuring and kidnapping for purposes of sexual exploitation, trafficking in women for the purpose of prostitution remains a serious problem. Sex tourism also remains a problem and is fueled by pervasive poverty and the perception of impunity.

The constitution contains explicit language providing for equal rights for women, equal pay for equal work, and equal status in marriage. the number of women in the National Assembly, senate and in high level government positions increased in the 2003 elections, placing 22 women in the 123-person National Assembly, and 9 women in the 61-seat Senate. Additionally, 24 women worked as ministers, secretaries of state and undersecretaries of state. 14 women judges sat at municipal, provincial and appeals courts. Despite these gains, cultural traditions continue to limit the ability of women to reach senior positions in business and other areas.

Female life expectancy at birth: 61.32 years
Total fertility rate: 3.37 children born/woman
Infant mortality rate: 68.78 deaths/1,000 live births
HIV/AIDS adult prevalence: 2.6% (2001 estimate)
Literacy: male 84.7%; Female 64.1% (2004 estimate)
Per capita income $2,500, 40% below poverty line

• Dimensions - 14" x 2" x 12.5"
• Flat sarong tote
• Hand-embroidered beading and appliqued flower detail
• Magnetic clasp closure

$37.00 USD

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Global Sistergoods' partners with an NGO in Cambodia that helps widows and abandoned children rebuild their lives. In addition to providing food and shelter, it offers counseling, literacy courses, health education and vocational training. In recent years, their silk craft workshop has become a self-sustaining registered company that provides jobs to 40 women who in turn support more than 200 family members. They also indirectly support rural women weavers by purchasing their handwoven silk cloth for use in their handbag production. Profits from this social enterprise in turn support and sustain their social service programs.