SHE For She – SHE investment

“Instead of letting women ask us for solutions, let us invest in them,” said Lida Loem.

Cambodian women and girls are still experiencing pressure and limitations because of their gender. It is the cultural aspects, tradition, and stereotypes that have set glass ceilings toward Khmer women and girls with the decisions of their future. There are struggles within their studies, jobs, and marriage.

Creating and sustaining businesses can be challenging for women in Cambodia. Only 65% of women are having entrepreneurial spirits to own enterprises, but most of them are small and informally scaled. In contrast, men in Cambodia are consuming a small percentage of owning micro businesses, but in own large percentage of the macro businesses.

Therefore, accessibility to support and resources are limited. Some businesses are not able to flourish as much as they could with opportunity for these resources. With increased entrepreneurial opportunities, women could better support themselves and the livelihood of their families.

In 2015, there was a newly established social enterprise located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, called “Support Her Enterprise,” also known as “SHE Investments.” SHE investments initiated by two founders from Australia and continue working with the eight other members. THe organization’s main purpose is to empower women in entrepreneurship.

“SHE investments isn’t just about helping women with business, we also empower women in leadership skills,” stated Lida Loem. Lida Loem is the Programs Managers and Head Facilitator, as well as the known as the Cofounder of SHE investments. “Most Khmer women are lack confidence and are afraid of sharing ideas and speaking in front of the public.”

So, many Cambodia women with micro businesses have been asking SHE for advice and solutions, but instead of providing them what they want, SHE lets them think critically and gives them the tools to create their own solutions. The reason is that “SHE is an investment, not a charity.”

Confidence, risk-taking, and commitment are required from those women. To build the leadership skills as well as educate Khmer women about business, SHE investments provides two different types of programs and many opportunities such as events including SHE conference and SHE member club. These programs and opportunities help to boost all of the women’s business from micro to macro.

“After six months of working with all these women, their businesses a have improved and are more successful. Most have increased their revenues by 200% and there are now 67 women who run successful businesses,” Linda stated.

The involvement of men is also required. It is a demand that men should observe the programs, whether they are her husbands or brothers.

The programs SHE uses to educate women are pilot programs. SHE investments not only offers support and resources, but also micro-loans for startup businesses.

Cambodian economy has been skyrocketing and annually increasing about 7%. Women are major contributors to this increase. It is a significant portion that could contribute towards the country’s economy. In addition, Khmer women need to break those barriers that limit their abilities and future in order to flourish. SHE investment has made a huge impact in Cambodia and it optimistically hopes to work with women in other countries because SHE is always ready for she.

Author: Venghour Than

 

Photo Source: https://www.sheinvestments.com/news/2017/7/5/women-in-business-in-cambodia

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