ACCESS 2 marked International Women’s Day 2026 by bringing staff together to reflect on the rights of women and girls, the importance of gender equality, and the role each of us can play in advancing inclusion and justice in our daily work. The celebration aligned closely with the program’s commitment to improving services for survivors of gender-based violence and persons with disabilities across Cambodia.
This year’s global International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” provided an important opportunity for the team to consider how structural barriers continue to affect women and girls, and why collective action remains essential. For ACCESS 2, this theme strongly reflects the program’s work to support more inclusive systems, strengthen protection and response services, and ensure no one is left behind.
As part of the celebration, team members were invited to present a feminist leader or role model who inspires them, and to share why that person’s story remains relevant today. This created an engaging and thoughtful discussion across the team, with reflections on leadership, courage, equality, and the importance of creating opportunities for women and girls to thrive.
During the opening session, Sasha Cigljarevic, Deputy Team Leader of ACCESS 2, encouraged staff to reflect not only on the meaning of International Women’s Day, but also on how inclusion, respect and collective responsibility should be carried into everyday life and work. His remarks highlighted the importance of reaching communities most in need, challenging harmful stereotypes, and ensuring efforts to promote gender equality are inclusive and meaningful in practice.
Sophia Cason, Team Leader of ACCESS 2, also reflected on the history of International Women’s Day and its connection to this year’s theme. She spoke about the importance of rights and justice for survivors of gender-based violence, and of continuing to support women’s full participation and leadership in society. Her remarks reinforced the close connection between ACCESS 2’s work and the broader global push for gender equality and social justice.
The session also invited staff to consider what individuals and workplaces can do to support women and girls to reach their full potential. Reflections from the team included the importance of integrating gender equality, disability, and social inclusion across all aspects of the program, encouraging girls to explore and learn, strengthening the capacity of service providers and government counterparts, and supporting women’s participation in decision making in families and communities. These practical reflections will continue to inform ACCESS 2’s culture and day to day work.
The celebration concluded on a positive note, with staff enjoying the opportunity to take individual and group photos in their chosen outfits and to celebrate the contributions of women who have shaped progress across different fields. Beyond the event itself, the day served as a timely reminder of the work that still lies ahead to ensure all women and girls can exercise their rights, access quality services, and live with dignity and opportunity.
ACCESS 2 is funded by the Australian Government and managed by Abt Global. The program remains committed to advancing the rights of women and girls, including survivors of violence and women with disabilities, through stronger, more inclusive systems and services in Cambodia.
