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Technical Cooperation Project Summary

Project Title

Reintegration of Trafficked Women

Region/Country

Cambodia

Project Duration

September 29, 2004 – July 31,  2007 (completed)

Fiscal Year & Funding Level

FY 2004: USD 500,000

Problem to be Addressed

The civil upheaval of the 1970s, war casualties, domestic abuse, and poverty have dramatically affected the economic status and responsibilities of women in Cambodia.  In the search for work, many women have migrated to urban areas for employment, and many fall prey to the sex industry because there is no other means of economic support.  Apart from the dire poverty which causes women to be sold or tricked into joining brothels, Cambodia’s porous borders and underdeveloped legal structure have left the country vulnerable to trafficking in women and children and the entry of pedophile networks.

Many rural families allow their daughters to go to the city for jobs described as “honest and well-paid” but that in reality lead to exploitive and/or slave-like situations.  A survey of prostitution conducted in 1995 indicated that 31 percent of female prostitutes were between the ages of 12 and 17, and that half of girl victims were sold into prostitution by their families. 

Results

The project facilitated the integration of former trafficked women and  at risk women into viable and safe employment through the provision of literacy, numeracy,  small business, and life-skills training classes.  The project provided direct services to 95 women at-risk of being trafficked and 643 trafficking survivors.

Project Objectives

To facilitate the integration of at-risk and trafficked women into viable and safe employment:

Intermediate objectives included:

  • Improvement of shelter services that provide emergency assistance, counseling, employment assistance, and reintegration support for at-risk and trafficked victims;
  • Increase the number of trafficked women who receive counseling, skills training, and employment assistance services;
  • Increase the number of women placed in viable and safe employment in the labor market; and
  • Increase the number of women placed in apprenticeships or internships within the implementing organization’s enterprises.

Summary of Activities
  • Conducted regular individual and/or group counseling for at-risk or former trafficked women.
  • Provided temporary shelter to victims of trafficking while they complete the social rehabilitation process.
  • Provided assistance to local institutions to strengthen job placement services for victims of trafficking.
  • Assisted victims of trafficking to locate employment programs to further their rehabilitation and reintegration process.

Grantee

Hagar International

Contact Information

Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking (OCFT)

(202) 693-4843