Women Protest Unfair Labour Practices and Environmental Pollution.

High speed sewing machines in four garment factories stopped in unison as 100 Cambodian women workers recently walked out to protest at unfair labour practices and the factory's environmental pollution. Organized women protestors marched toward Phnom Penh and demanded that Cambodia Apparel immediately implement their labour rights, and end throwing pollutants into the environment. They called on the management of Cambodia Apparel in Kam Pongspeu province, Belchien, Thaiva and Takfat in Phnom Pehn, to reconsider the cases of five women workers who were earlier dismissed. The women said there was no legal basis to the dismissals. Cambodia Apparel has repeatedly violated the labour rights of women as it forces sick women to work, and fails to pay them on time.

Although Takfat security guards used violence to stop the march, it was a victory for the women as local authorities admitted the factory’s violation of environmental laws. The government also suspended the branch factory that failed to pay half of its workers’salary. The Ministry of Women and Veterans Affairs is now asking for strict implementation of laws that give women legal protection.

Acid Attacks On the Rise

Acid attacks on women are on the rise in Cambodia, according to local newspaper and radio sources. The attacks are so severe that women not only suffer physical pain but also psychological trauma. News reports said reported cases of acid attacks came out in recent months with more or less 10 Cambodian women being hospitalized. One case is that of a 17-year old girl who was induced by a 50-year old advisor of the Prime Minister to become one of his mistresses. Svay Sitha's philandering angered his wife who, with the help of the husband's bodyguards, splashed acid on the victim last December.

A human rights NGO helped the victim file a complaint but she eventually withdrew after the wife promised to pay for her medication and plastic surgery. However, the victim remains weak and surgery proved futile as both her ears cannot be replaced, her lower lip remains deformed and her hair cannot grow. After a month of treatment, the victim complained of rectal bleeding. By this time, her relationship with Svay Sitha had deteriorated. Phnom Pehn Governor Chea Sophara has ordered the restriction of selling acid.

Cambodians predict an increase in acid attacks on women based on this alarming trend.