On 26–27 February 2026, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, with funding from the Australian Government and in collaboration with UNFPA, convened a two-day annual reflection workshop in Kampot province to review progress in strengthening sub national mechanisms responding to Gender Based Violence (GBV).
The workshop brought together representatives from eight provinces, including Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, Kampong Speu and Preah Sihanouk. Participants reflected on the implementation of the GBV Response Working Groups and the One Stop Service Units, which operate under the Provincial and Municipal Committees for Women and Children to coordinate timely and survivor centred services.
The Multi Sectoral Coordination Mechanism to Respond to GBV plays a critical role in ensuring that health providers, legal actors, police, social services and local authorities work together to support survivors. The One Stop Service Units provide a coordinated entry point where GBV survivors can access health care, legal assistance, psychological counselling and social support in one location.
During the workshop, stakeholders reviewed achievements and challenges from the past year and identified practical steps to strengthen quality and accountability. Discussions focused on improving service monitoring tools, strengthening data analysis, enhancing safety planning for GBV survivors, refining mental health assessments, and improving referral pathways between services.
In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Hou Samith, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to preventing and responding to GBV as a national priority. She acknowledged the progress made in strengthening coordination mechanisms and expanding services, and encouraged continued collaboration to ensure survivors receive timely and high-quality support.
In closing, Ms Sar Sineth, Director of the Legal Protection Department at MoWA, emphasised the importance of building technical skills at sub national level, noting that strengthened knowledge and coordination will contribute to more effective and consistent responses across provinces.
The reflection workshop strengthened collaboration among provincial actors, reinforced technical capacity, and supported greater ownership in planning and budgeting for GBV services. By creating space for honest reflection and shared learning, the workshop contributes to more coordinated and GBV survivor centred responses at community level.
ACCESS 2 is funded by the Australian Government and managed by Abt Global. Through continued partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia and development partners, ACCESS 2 supports efforts to improve quality, accessibility and coordination of services for survivors of gender-based violence.
