The first ACCESS 2 Gender-Based Violence Workstream evokes fruitful discussions

The ACCESS 2 program has established three separate workstreams: Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Disability-Inclusion and Rehabilitation.

On June 21, 2024, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) together with ACCESS 2 co-led and initiated the first GBV workstream meeting.

This meeting included representatives from MoWA as well as the Provincial Department of Women’s Affairs (PDoWA) from four provinces: Siem Reap, Ratanakiri, Kampong Cham and Kampong Speu. Additionally, representatives from the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY), the Disability Action Council (DAC), the Ministry of Interior/National Committee for Sub-National Democratic Development Secretariat (NCDDS), ACCESS 2 GBV Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs), DFAT, and the ACCESS 2 team participated.

The purpose of the meeting was to adopt the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the ACCESS 2 GBV workstream and to nurture strong early collaborations between the GBV, Disability Inclusion and Rehabilitation workstreams. It also aimed to provide members with updates on the implementation of activities pursued by SIPs under the ACCESS 2 GBV workstream and to strengthen intersectional collaboration between the GBV, Disability Inclusion, and Rehabilitation workstreams. Participants also shared key activities and upcoming events for the next six months.

Mr. Connor Floyd, Second Secretary of the Australian Embassy to Cambodia, expressed his gratitude for MOWA’s continued cooperation over the past decade and added: “I would like to thank you all for your active participation and cooperation in the ACCESS 2 program. Over the last few months, we have achieved key milestones during the current inception phase of the program. These are key achievements that we should rejoice in together, and they would not be possible without strong support from MoWA’s leadership and active support from various GBV workstream SIPs.”

Co-chair of the meeting, Her Excellency Nhean Sochetra, General Director of the Social Development Department, MoWA, concluded by saying: “The first year of ACCESS 2 resulted in the realisation of many great achievements.” She thanked Australia for its continued support of GBV survivors in Cambodia.

ACCESS 2 marks a continuation of Australia’s flagship bilateral investment in gender equality, disability, rehabilitation, and social inclusion in Cambodia.